Rockets’ Make-or-Break Year: Will Fred VanVleet Stick Around?

When the Houston Rockets signed Fred VanVleet in the 2023 NBA offseason, they made it clear that they were betting on him to turn the tide for a struggling franchise. Yet, as we head into the Rockets’ Make-or-Break Year, the question on everyone’s mind is: Was this gamble worth it?

Rockets’ Make-or-Break Year: Will Fred VanVleet Stick Around?

VanVleet didn’t exactly lead the Rockets to the promised land of playoffs last year, but let’s not forget that the team witnessed a significant 19-game improvement. That’s no small feat for a franchise that has been stuck in the mud for years. So, while many might hesitate to give VanVleet full credit, it’s hard to deny his role in this turnaround.

Now, as we look ahead to the 2024 season, there’s growing optimism that the Rockets might finally break through the crowded Western Conference. Fred VanVleet is undoubtedly a crucial part of that equation. However, a massive question mark looms on the horizon—his 2025-26 team option. Will the Rockets commit to him for the long haul, or will they let this connection fizzle out?

One thing is for sure: VanVleet has made it crystal clear that he isn’t interested in being a “rental”. As he put it, “I didn’t come here to be a free agent again. I came here for a long-term home.” Bold words, but will the Rockets’ management agree?

VanVleet didn’t just bring his scoring and leadership from the Raptors to Houston—he brought a culture shift. The Rockets’ locker room feels different, and that’s no coincidence. Yes, the additions of Dillon Brooks and Jeff Green certainly helped, but VanVleet’s presence was the real game changer.

Now, with Houston looking poised to make more noise, the Rockets face a critical decision next summer. The team will have to decide whether VanVleet’s contract fits into their future plans. Is he the right piece to lead them into a new era, or will financial hurdles push him out?

The Rockets have options, but letting VanVleet walk could send this franchise spiraling back into the abyss. The stakes are higher than ever, and the money will be the deciding factor.

VanVleet’s situation with the Rockets is an excellent example of how a player can influence more than just wins and losses. He helped foster a new identity in Houston, one rooted in competitiveness and potential. However, the looming financial decision on his future adds drama to what could be a pivotal year for the franchise.

Houston must consider not just VanVleet’s contributions on the court but also his impact off it. The team’s identity has shifted, and VanVleet is at the heart of that change. But will sentimentality or economics dictate the Rockets’ decision?