The Rockets tend to abandon the single-year option and want to sign a long contract with Van Vleet to anchor the backcourt core

According to the latest report by well-known reporter Shams Charania, the Houston Rockets have reached a preliminary intention with main point guard Fred VanVleet on a long-term contract extension. The move clearly shows that Rockets management regards the experienced defender as a key component of the team's future blueprint. Sources revealed that the Rockets currently hold the team options worth up to $44.9 million in VanVleet's 2025-26 season. But the team plans to go unnatural – management tends to abandon the expensive single-year option in favor of seeking a new contract with VanVleet for a longer-term but more reasonable average annual salary.

This strategic change is behind the Rockets management's long-term considerations. Giving up a huge one-year option seems to sacrifice short-term salary space flexibility, but by signing long-term contracts, the Rockets can lock in the backcourt commander with a more controllable salary structure to avoid the uncertainty that he will become a full free agent next summer. At the same time, longer contract years can also provide the team with a more stable core lineup, which is conducive to the growth of young players and the continuation of the team system.

This season, as the Rockets' backcourt engine, Van Vleet averaged 14.1 points, 3.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game. His stable organizational ability, big heart projection at critical moments and tough defensive attitude greatly helped the growth of young players such as Jaylen Green and Jabbarry Smith Jr., and was one of the important leaders in the team's locker room.

Give up the choice of nearly 45 million a year and seeks a long contract, showing the Rockets' dual recognition of VanVleet's value and leadership role on the field. The team hopes that he can continue to play the role of the "Stationary Head" around the young core in the next few years, and use his experience and winning culture to accelerate the team's reconstruction process.

At present, the two parties have reached an agreement on the framework of long-term cooperation, and specific contract details are still being finalized. Rockets fans can expect that the champion guard will continue to wear the Houston jersey in the next few seasons, leading the team to higher goals.