Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet has opted into his $25 million player option for the 2026-27 season. This decision was reported by Shams Charania. VanVleet's contract, a two-year $50 million deal signed in 2025, will now enter its final year.
What happened?
VanVleet missed the entire 2025-26 season due to a torn ACL. He had played 133 games from 2023-2025, averaging 15.9 points, 5.3 assists, and 3.8 rebounds. His three-point shooting percentage stood at 36.9% during that period.
Why it matters for Houston Rockets
The Rockets hope VanVleet's return will provide more offensive support alongside Kevin Durant on the perimeter. VanVleet's experience, having played an integral part in the Toronto Raptors' 2019 NBA championship run, will be valuable.
What comes next?
The Rockets' recent form has been 1W-0D-1L, with their last result being a 100-97 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on 2025-02-26. VanVleet's return to the court will be closely watched as the team prepares for the 2026-27 season.
| Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-02-26 | Milwaukee Bucks | 100-97 |
The Rockets will be looking to improve their performance with VanVleet back in the lineup. As the 2026-27 season approaches, the team's fans will be eager to see how VanVleet's return impacts their chances in the NBA.