Latest news with #VanVleet
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
NBA rumors: Fred VanVleet expected to do huge favor for Houston Rockets to help boost roster for title run
It seems very likely Fred VanVleet could return the favor of the Houston Rockets overpay two years ago, so they can have a real shot at an NBA Finals run next season. It is certainly no coincidence that the Rockets have gotten far better as a team since point guard Fred VanVleet arrived two years ago. Sure, head coach Ime Udoka, Jalen Green, and Alperen Sengun deserve a lot of credit. But the former Toronto Raptors star is a high-impact veteran who has helped lead the way on and off the court. Advertisement Also Read: NBA games today – Get details on the upcoming playoffs schedule In 2023, Houston overpaid for VanVleet in NBA free agency when they gave him a massive three-year deal worth $180 million that included a club option before the third season. The $44 million the 31-year-old is set to make next season is way above what he should be getting paid. So it makes sense for them to opt out of the final year. Which could lead to the one-time All-Star taking his talents elsewhere. However, a new report suggests he is likely to return, and at a team-friendly rate. Fred VanVleet stats (2024-25): 14.1 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 5.6 APG, 1.6 SPG, 35% 3PT Fred VanVleet to take discounted rate in new Houston Rockets contract? Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images 'The strong expectation is that VanVleet will remain with Houston after the strong leadership he provided to a team that unexpectedly won 52 games. And snagged the No. 2 seed in the West,' Jake Fischer reported on Friday. 'But pushing the option back to the brink of free agency does leave open the possibility that the Rockets could include VanVleet's monster 2025-26 salary in a significant trade. If such a deal materialized around the draft.' Advertisement Fred VanVleet contract: Three years, $180 million 'The more likely scenario is that the Rockets decline the option. And re-sign VanVleet to a new multiyear deal at a lower annual salary to create some useful wiggle room in relation to the league's luxury tax aprons.' If the nine-year veteran returned on a deal closer to $30 million, which is still a big number for a player of his level, that would be a huge help for the organization. In a way, it would be him paying them back for the overpay of the last two years, by taking much less to get more years guaranteed. Also Read:: Updated 2025 NBA Playoffs power rankings: Where do Knicks and Nuggets land after Game 1 upset wins?
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
NBA champion Fred VanVleet returns to Rockford for gala event
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — NBA Champion and Rockford native Fred VanVleet is returning to his hometown to headline the 3rd annual Diamonds Storytelling Gala in June. This year's event will be held at Hard Rock Live on Thursday, June 12th. The annual gala highlights individuals who grew up in the stateline who have gone on to reach the highest level of their industries. 'I'm honored to partner with Founders Commission to headline this year's DIAMONDS gala,' said VanVleet. 'My family and I are proud to help inspire the next generation of success stories, whether they're achieved on the court, in business or in the community.' Roscoe native and ESPN SportsCenter anchor Nicole Briscoe will emcee the event, which will feature an on-stage conversation and Q&A session with VanVleet. Proceeds from the night go to the Founders Commission, and they will donate a portion of this year's proceeds to the VanVleet Family Foundation, which helps youth through educational opportunities, athletics, and career development. Last year, former Destiny's Child member and Rockford native Michelle Williams was the guest speaker. In 2022, former TOPGUN instructor, Rockford's own U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Michael Andrews, gave the keynote address. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
USA Today
10-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
‘Just the beginning': Fred VanVleet reflects on second season in Houston
'Just the beginning': Fred VanVleet reflects on second season in Houston 'Proud of our group,' Fred VanVleet says of the 2024-25 Rockets. 'Just the beginning. Experience is gained through trials and tribulations. There are no shortcuts. Stay focused and keep working.' Fred VanVleet's contractual status for the 2025-26 NBA season and beyond is up in the air, but it seems clear the veteran guard will stay with the Houston Rockets. Now 31 years old and wrapping up his ninth NBA season, it's exactly what VanVleet envisioned when he signed with the Rockets in 2023 free agency. Days after a harsh Game 7 home loss to end their first-round playoff series versus Golden State, VanVleet reflected on the season that was in Houston. Via VanVleet's Instagram account: Year 9, grateful and humble. Wisdom comes from experience. Experience is gained through trials and tribulations. There are no shortcuts. Stay focused and keep working. Proud of our group. Just the beginning. 'General VanVleet,' veteran center Steven Adams replied in the comments section. VanVleet is widely regarded as a leadership figure in Houston's locker room. VanVleet was excellent in the 2025 postseason, averaging 18.7 points (43.5% on 3-pointers), 4.4 assists and 4.1 rebounds across seven games against the Warriors. His true-shooting percentage was a robust 63.2%. With VanVleet starting at point guard, Houston finished the 2024-25 regular season with a 52-30 record and the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. For the Rockets, it was their most successful season of the decade to date. More: Rockets, Fred VanVleet delay deadline for 2025-26 contract decision
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Rockets Star Makes Decision on NBA Future After Loss to Warriors
On Sunday night, the Houston Rockets lost to the Golden State Warriors in Game 7 of their first-round playoff matchup. With this loss, the Rockets have officially been upset in the playoffs and have been sent home. The Rockets have not won a playoff series since the 2020 NBA Bubble, and that streak will continue this year. While the Rockets' playoff loss on its own may not have much of an impact on the Toronto Raptors or the fans on the surface, it might still be an unfortunate sight due to one specific player--Fred VanVleet. Advertisement VanVleet, who is a part of the Rockets' roster, spent the first seven years of his career in Toronto after signing as an undrafted free agent in 2016. During his time with the Pacers, VanVleet was an All-Star, a Sixth Man of the Year finalist, and most importantly, a key player in the Raptors' championship win in 2019. After Sunday's loss to the Warriors, the former Raptor spoke about his NBA future and provided a lot of clarity on what that may look like. Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) and Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (5)Troy Taormina-Imagn Images In 2023, VanVleet signed a three-year, $128.5 million contract with the Rockets. That contract came with a $44.9 million team option for the 2025-26 season, and the team must make a decision on the former champion this summer. Advertisement Recently, VanVleet spoke about his future, saying he wants to remain in Houston past this offseason. 'Obviously, I put my heart and soul into this, and this is where I want to be. It's definitely a family situation," VanVleet said about the Rockets. "I've got a lot of love for our coaching staff, Rafael (Stone), the Fertitta family, what we set out to do when I had my free agent meeting two years ago, and we're on that track. It was never a short-term vision. It was a long-term goal. We're on track. We're on schedule.' In his two seasons with the Rockets so far, VanVleet is averaging 15.9 points, 6.9 assists, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game. His future will be an important story to follow around the league, but especially so for Raptors fans. Advertisement Related: NBA Announces Major Jrue Holiday News After Celtics' Win Related: New Report on JJ Redick's Lakers Future After Loss to Timberwolves
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Draymond slyly torches Rockets organization after Warriors' win
Draymond slyly torches Rockets organization after Warriors' win originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area Draymond Green gave a young Rockets team their flowers after the Warriors' Game 7 win over Houston on Sunday at Toyota Center. Advertisement But had a brutal parting message for the organization. Green initially shared his respect for the Rockets in his postgame press conference, admitting the first-round playoff series was one of the more difficult ones of his 13-year NBA career. Then, he was asked about playing in a hostile environment like Houston, in front of a Rockets crowd that he and longtime teammate Steph Curry have plenty of experience with. 'It's always fun winning in this city and winning in this arena,' Green said. 'I saw Fred [VanVleet] had made a comment earlier in the series and said, 'This ain't that team.' It's that organization, though. And we like coming to this city and playing in these situations. It's been good to us.' VanVleet's comment that Green is referencing was made prior to Game 1 of the series, when the Rockets guard was asked about Houston's playoff history against Golden State, which includes five consecutive postseason series losses. Advertisement 'No. This ain't that team and that ain't that team. It's a different team,' VanVleet told reporters after practice on April 16. We're a different team, they're a different team, it's a new year.' VanVleet's comments, both in that moment and in hindsight, certainly are fair, but Green took note of them nonetheless. Curry was asked after the game what he perceives his reputation to be in Houston after winning another playoff series against the Rockets. 'I'm a winner,' Curry bluntly said with a smile. That just about sums it up. Curry, Green and the Warriors have broken the hearts of many fan bases throughout their dynastic run, and perhaps none worse than Houston's. Advertisement Download and follow the Dubs Talk Podcast
