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Houston Rockets Sign Former Raptor Fred VanVleet

As reported a few weeks ago, everyone knew that Fred VanVleet, who won a championship with the Toronto Raptors in 2019, would test free agency. It was also suspected that the situation would allow him to renegotiate a contract with the club.

As it turns out, there will be no negotiation. Fred VanVleet is now with the Houston Rockets, one of the big moves that got the NBA free agency ball rolling on Friday night.

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Rockets Sign Fred VanVleet

One thing is certain. Guard Fred VanVleet has earned himself a nice paycheque. His contract with the rebuilding Houston Rockets is for three years and worth a total of $130 million.

VanVleet had spent his entire seven-year career with the Toronto Raptors. He joined them in 2016-2017 when the club was ascending the Eastern Conference power structure. His and the team’s success culminated with a championship in the 2018-2019 season when they defeated the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals. It was the only year superstar Kawhi Leonard spent in Toronto. With this turn of events, Toronto loses another veteran who spent time in the trenches and knows what it’s like to build a successful season.

Since 2019, Leonard, Kyle Lowry and now Fred VanVleet have moved on. Just prior to that season another stalwart, DeMar DeRozan left for San Antonio. From a roster perspective, the 2023-2024 Raptors are as far removed from the glory days of the mid-to-late 2010s as possible.

Fred VanVleet joins a Houston Rockets organization in rebuilding mode. It’s been rough the past few seasons, including 2022-2023 when the team finished 22-60, next-last-last in the Western Conference. Jalen Green was a bright spot, leading the team in points per game with 22.1. Kevin Porter Jr. wasn’t far behind with 19.1 of his own. VanVleet can lead the charge as the squad’s clear-cut point guard. He also averages almost 2 steals per game, which should help on the defensive side of the ball.