The Houston Rockets have received approval from the NBA for a $12.5 million Disabled Players Exception tied to Fred VanVleet, who suffered a torn ACL in September before training camp even began.
The injury ruled VanVleet out for the entire season, prompting the league to grant Houston limited financial flexibility to help offset the loss of a key rotation player.
Even with the exception in hand, the Rockets’ spending options remain constrained.
Houston is still hard-capped at the first apron, meaning the team cannot exceed that threshold despite being allowed to use the exception to sign or trade for a replacement player under specific salary limitations.
During the offseason, Houston was frequently mentioned as a potential suitor for Giannis Antetokounmpo before ultimately shifting course and completing a blockbuster trade for Kevin Durant.
Despite those earlier rumors, the Rockets are not expected to pursue Antetokounmpo during the current season, focusing instead on maximizing their existing roster around Durant and their young core.
VanVleet had just recommitted to the franchise prior to the injury, re-signing on a two-year, $50 million contract this past offseason.
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