The Rockets are officially going all in.
The trade to acquire Kevin Durant was a strong enough indicator of that, but another recent move just helped Houston in an underrated way.
What does Fred VanVleet's contract unlock for Rockets?
ESPN's Shams Charania reported Wednesday that Fred VanVleet intends to sign a new two-year $50 million contract.
This comes after the Rockets decided to decline his team option for the 2025-26 season, worth $44.9 million.
This is a huge pay cut that VanVleet is taking, and is a team-friendly contract to allow the Rockets more opportunities to improve the roster.
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It's virtually a win-win, because VanVleet has a player option next season that he can decline if he wants to.
This new contract will allow Houston to sign a player for $14.1 million, with a Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception (per Keith Smith).
This can allow the flexibility this season to add another impact player, as they attempt to craft a roster that can make a serious playoff run in the 2025-26 season.
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