According to The Athletic’s Kelly Iko, the Houston Rockets are most likely going to decline Fred VanVleet’s team option worth $44.9 million. This is for the sore purpose of working on a new multi-year contract to secure his future with the organization.

Both sides have remained committed to each other and both publicly have stated they want to continue working together.

“Obviously, I put my heart and soul into this, and this is where I want to be,” VanVleet said. “It’s definitely a family situation. I’ve got a lot of love for our coaching staff, Rafael (Stone), the Fertitta family, what we set out to do when I had my free agent meeting two years ago, and we’re on that track. It was never a short-term vision. It was a long-term goal. We’re on track. We’re on schedule.”

This quote was from when he was asked how he sees his future shaping up in the league. Both Houston and VanVleet agreed to push back the team option deadline to June 29th.

It’s unclear what the Rockets would be willing to offer the 31-year-old this time around, as he is coming off freshly signing a three-year, $130 million contract with them back in 2023’s offseason.

Will Fred VanVleet be back with the Houston Rockets next season? Right now, that’s currently unknown. Plus, the ball is in Houston’s court with VanVleet having a massive team option for next season.

If the team were to accept the veteran’s option, they would be on the hook for $44.9 million. There are currently reports circling the internet stating Houston will turn down the 31-year-old’s option in hopes of working out longer-term deal that sees him making less yearly money.

When VanVleet was asked about returning to the Rockets, his answer was very positive, with him being hopeful he can return to such a promising organization.

“Obviously, I put my heart and soul into this, and this is where I want to be,” VanVleet said. “It’s definitely a family situation. I’ve got a lot of love for our coaching staff, Rafael (Stone), the Fertitta family, what we set out to do when I had my free agent meeting two years ago, and we’re on that track. It was never a short-term vision. It was a long-term goal. We’re on track. We’re on schedule.”

With the way he is speaking, VanVleet will be able to work something out and continue his great work he’s been doing with the Rockets.

In his second season with the team, VanVleet averaged 14.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game. While his scoring averages are down, many have cited his impact as a veteran with championship experience, and clutch tendencies, to be the reason why Houston wants him to stay.

Fred VanVleet, Rockets Agree To Deal

Fred VanVleet, Rockets Agree To Deal

The Houston Rockets were heavily pursuing Fred VanVleet ever since VanVleet declined his player option and wanted to test the open market.

It appeared the Toronto Raptors had no shot of retaining VanVleet as it felt more and more surreal for Rockets’ fans to have VanVleet on their roster.

VanVleet has agreed on a three-year, $130 million deal with the Houston Rockets.