Houston Rockets Secure Fred VanVleet with Massive Contract in the 2023 Offseason
Houston Rockets have made a big splash in the 2023 offseason by signing veteran point guard Fred VanVleet to a lucrative three-year, $130 million deal. VanVleet, a one-time All-Star, had previously played for the Toronto Raptors.
The news of VanVleet’s move to Houston was confirmed by Rich Paul, CEO of KlutchSports, and VanVleet’s agent, Erika Ruiz, on Twitter. The deal represents a significant payday for the 29-year-old guard, who is entering his prime.
VanVleet’s journey to success has been an inspiring one. He went undrafted in 2016 but quickly showed his potential after signing with the Raptors. Over his seven NBA seasons, he has developed into a reliable scorer and playmaker.
The new contract will see VanVleet earn approximately $525,000 per game over the next three years, almost matching his total earnings in his rookie season in Toronto. In the 2020 offseason, he signed a four-year, $85 million deal with the Raptors.
Since then, VanVleet has lived up to expectations, averaging 19.8 points, 4.2 assists, and 6.8 rebounds per game over the past three seasons. His stellar performances earned him an All-Star selection in the 2021-22 season, and he was one of only 11 guards to average at least 19 points and 7 assists per game in the 2022-23 season.
VanVleet was also an important contributor to the Raptors’ 2019 championship run. In critical moments during the playoffs, he delivered standout performances. In the Eastern Conference Finals, he scored 21 points in a Game 5 victory against the Milwaukee Bucks. In the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors, he contributed 22 points to help secure the championship.
Not only has VanVleet excelled on the court, but he has also made his mark on the Raptors’ record books. He ranks among the franchise’s all-time leaders in points scored, assists, steals, and 3-pointers made and attempted.
The addition of VanVleet is a significant coup for the Houston Rockets, as they secure a talented and experienced guard to bolster their roster for the upcoming season. With VanVleet’s scoring ability and playmaking skills, the Rockets are poised to make a strong push in the highly competitive Western Conference.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.