Former Shocker Fred VanVleet Signs $130m Deal With Rockets

On Friday, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul and agent Erika Ruiz informed ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski that free agent point guard Fred VanVleet has reached an agreement with the Houston Rockets. The three-year contract is worth $130 million and officially marks the end of VanVleet’s seven-season run with the Toronto Raptors, during which he earned an All-Star selection in 2022. Shortly after, the Raptors secured a replacement by agreeing to a two-year, $26 million deal with free agent Dennis Schroder. Houston made history by offering VanVleet the largest contract ever for an undrafted player, solidifying his move to the Rockets. Known for his “bet on yourself” mentality, the 29-year-old VanVleet adds a much-needed veteran presence to a young Houston team, which was confirmed by Elias Sports Bureau as the NBA’s youngest team in terms of playing time during the 2022-23 season.

Despite declining a $22.8 million player option with the Raptors, VanVleet’s decision comes after consistently strong performances as a full-time starter since the 2019-20 season. He has maintained impressive averages of 19.3 points, 7.2 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. With his elite floor-spacing abilities, playmaking skills, and strong defense, VanVleet is regarded as an exceptional volume 3-point shooter at the point guard position. He ranked third in steals and first in deflections per game last season, according to ESPN Stats & Information research.

VanVleet played a significant role in the Raptors’ championship victory in 2019, contributing with his sharpshooting off the bench before assuming the lead guard position following Kyle Lowry’s departure two seasons ago. Throughout his tenure in Toronto, VanVleet ranks third in total assists and fourth in total steals in franchise history. Despite going undrafted from Wichita State, VanVleet became just the fifth undrafted player to make an All-Star team two seasons ago. In 2020, he signed a four-year, $85 million deal with the Raptors.

Joining the Rockets, led by first-year coach Ime Udoka, VanVleet becomes part of a team that has faced rebuilding challenges since James Harden’s trade to Brooklyn, finishing with 14, 20, and 21 wins in the past three seasons.

Source: ESPN