What will the Rockets do with Fred VanVleet once the season ends?

Fred VanVleet has a hefty club option for next season. Are the Rockets willing to pony up for the status quo are do they look for an upgrade.

Fred VanVleet’s contributions in Houston have been crucial in turning the Rockets around. Signed to a three-year, $128.5 million deal in 2023, his veteran leadership and steady floor generalship have been instrumental in the team’s resurgence. But with the 2024-25 season winding down, the Rockets face a tough decision. Should they pick up his nearly $44.9 million club option for next season, negotiate an extension or look for a younger replacement?

Fred VanVleet’s value to the Rockets
VanVleet’s importance to the Rockets this season cannot be overlooked, even with him missing games due to injury. He’s posted averages of 14.5 points, 5.6 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, guiding Houston to a 47-26 record, good enough for second (currently) in the competitive Western Conference. His leadership on and off the court has brought a sense of direction to a young roster that desperately needed it.

When VanVleet missed games during a long stretch between February and March, the Rockets hovered around .500 in his absence, a clear indicator of the void he leaves when unavailable. And while his scoring numbers aren’t as consistent as in his Toronto days, his impact was emphasized in his recent 37-point explosion in a win against Miami. Games like that serve as a reminder of how VanVleet can get hot at a moment’s notice.

Let’s give VanVleet credit where it’s due. The ball moves with a purpose when he’s in the lineup. His ability to manage pace, cut down the turnovers and execute in crunch time has made the Rockets far more cohesive offensively compared to prior seasons. Statistically, Houston’s offensive rating improves significantly when VanVleet is on the floor.

Cavs Send Bold Message to Evan Mobley After Performance Against Portland..

The Cleveland Cavaliers entered Tuesday night’s contest against the Portland Trail Blazers attempting to keep their good momentum rolling. All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell missed the contest, so it was up to fellow All-Stars Darius Garland and Evan Mobley to carry the team to victory. It was far from a perfect game, but in a way, it was the perfect scenario for the Cavs to be in at this time. Cleveland has been battered by fans and analysts all season long on social media and national TV, and one of the biggest reasons is the drop-off in production behind Mitchell. Garland and Mobley haven’t captured the acknowledgement and respect from national audiences, but they had a chance to prove it against a surging, young Portland squad. Cleveland Cavaliers swingman De’Andre Hunter and guard Darius Garland celebrate after a 3-point shot against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center on March 23, 2025. Peter Creveling-

Imagn Images Peter Creveling-Imagn Images The former Vanderbilt guard had an impressive 27-point performance, nine of which came in the fourth quarter, to go along with eight assists. While Garland dazzled on offense, it was Mobley’s unrivaled defense that led the Cavs to victory. The fourth year forward had 21 points and 12 rebounds, but the defensive end is where his presence was really felt, tallying four blocks. His defensive performances are almost always elite, but this particular game was so special that multiple players and coaches commented on it. During their joint post-game interview, Garland was asked about the defensive effort and called Mobley “Defensive Player of the Year.” Victor Wembanyama was the overwhelming favorite to win the award for the entirety of the season, but an unfortunate blood clot diagnosis put the accolade up for grabs. It’s been a heated race between Mobley and Atlanta Hawks breakout guard Dyson Daniels, but because the award tends to favor big shot blockers, so the former USC forward has the upper hand. Kenny Atkinson also spoke about Mobley’s night, calling it, “another Defensive Player of the Year” performance. Fans and executives have been enamored with the big man’s talent since he was drafted in 2021. After displaying itself in short doses over his first three years in the NBA, his talent is available for the world to see much more often.

the defensive end is where his presence was really felt, tallying four blocks. His defensive performances are almost always elite, but this particular game was so special that multiple players and coaches commented on it. During their joint post-game interview, Garland was asked about the defensive effort and called Mobley “Defensive Player of the Year.” Victor Wembanyama was the overwhelming favorite to win the award for the entirety of the season, but an unfortunate blood clot diagnosis put the accolade up for grabs. It’s been a heated race between Mobley and Atlanta Hawks breakout guard Dyson Daniels, but because the award tends to favor big shot blockers, so the former USC forward has the upper hand. Kenny Atkinson also spoke about Mobley’s night, calling it, “another Defensive Player of the Year” performance. Fans and executives have been enamored with the big man’s talent since he was drafted in 2021. After displaying itself in short doses over his first three years in the NBA, his talent is available for the world to see much more often.