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.