The Houston Rockets are widely expected to bring back veteran point guard Fred VanVleet for the 2025–26 NBA season, according to a report from Kelly Iko of The Athletic.
VanVleet holds a $44.9 million team option, and league sources told The Athletic that Houston is likely to either exercise that option or negotiate a new, lower-cost agreement to maintain roster flexibility.
The 31-year-old guard started all 60 regular-season games for Houston, averaging 14.1 points, 5.6 assists, and 1.6 steals while shooting 34.5% from three.
VanVleet elevated his performance in the 2025 playoffs, where he averaged 18.7 points across 40 minutes per game and shot 43.5% from long distance in a seven-game series against Golden State.
Houston’s front office values VanVleet’s experience and floor leadership after a season that saw the team clinch the Southwest Division title and secure the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference.
The Rockets went 52–30 during the regular season, marking their best record since 2018 and finishing behind only the Oklahoma City Thunder in the standings.
VanVleet’s presence played a key role in stabilizing a backcourt that featured younger guards like Jalen Green and Amen Thompson.
Despite losing in the first round, Houston pushed the Warriors to a Game 7 after trailing 3–1 in the series, highlighting the team’s growth under head coach Ime Udoka.
VanVleet joined Houston in the summer of 2023 on a three-year, $128 million deal that included a third-year team option.
