The Houston Rockets were recently booted from the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs by the Golden State Warriors, setting the stage for a potentially massive offseason.
While Houston could swing for the fences by completing a blockbuster trade in an effort to ascend as outright title contenders, the franchise must first choose how to navigate the contract of 2019 NBA champion Fred VanVleet.
The organization holds a team option worth $44.9 million over the former All-Star guard and postseason performer, but an unexpected, calculated change could delay VanVleet's fate.
"The Rockets are in discussions to move the decision date on Fred VanVleet's player option to the end of June, sources tell Jake Fischer and me," NBA insider Marc Stein shared via Twitter/X on Tuesday evening.
"Under the original terms, Houston must decide on VanVleet's $44.9MM team option for 2025-26 this week."
Houston's motivation for possibly moving this decision back is likely a tactical one.
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The Rockets have been involved in trade rumors for virtually every All-Star talent that might become available this offseason due to their treasure trove of draft capital and young assets.
If a league-altering trade is eventually agreed upon to bring a superstar to Houston, the prolonged decision on VanVleet's deal could allow the franchise to get their finances right before declining the gargantuan team option and signing the talented guard to a new, restructured contract.
In his ninth NBA season, VanVleet contributed 14.1 points, 5.6 assists and 1.6 steals for Houston in 70 appearances.
Though his box score figures for the regular season could be viewed as a shock, he proved his worth as a trusted playoff-riser by averaging 24.3 points and 4.8 assists over the course of his final four games against Golden State in the playoffs.