The unexpected De’Aaron Fox trade saga has caused a lot of noise within the league for the past couple of days, and it even made the Houston Rockets one of the prime subjects of discussions.
De’Aaron Fox’s desire to get traded and leave the Sacramento Kings after eight years stems from his desire to attain success. He didn’t entertain an extended deal with the Kings as he explained that he wants to compete in the best way possible.
And from this desire, the Houston Rockets were tipped by the majority as a team who could help him, considering their meteoric rise this 2024-25.
Yet apparently, multiple reports and sources have already turned down the idea of Fox going to H-Town, as the team wants to maintain their promising core.
And beyond that, there’s a new interesting element that contributes to the Rockets’ unwillingness to pursue the Sacramento star.
In his latest update around the Association this season, Jake Fischer revealed that the Rockets are compelled to extend their run with starting point guard Fred VanVleet.
According to the NBA insider, both sides have a “mutual interest” for a possible contract extension.
VanVleet notably joined Houston as a free agent in 2023, leaving the Toronto Raptors and team up with head coach Ime Udoka by signing a massive $128 million deal for three seasons.
The Rockets hold a team option on the third year for VanVleet in which they can decline to reconstruct a new contract with the veteran guard.
Fischer wrote: “League sources tell The Stein Line that Houston and Fred VanVleet have mutual interest in prolonging the veteran’s tenure as the starting floor general for Ime Udoka’s Rockets.
“There’s a team option in VanVleet’s deal for 2025-26 and it sounds as though both sides are motivated to find an agreement that would keep VanVleet in place as the orchestrator of Houston’s offense.
“The Rockets will have the chance to decline VanVleet’s option and rework a multi-year deal this summer. VanVleet is also represented by Klutch CEO Paul.”
VanVleet stands as one of the driving forces of Houston’s sudden success this year.
With his experience and savvy skill set, the star point guard managed to create harmony throughout the entire young team. And the leadership and guidance he provides are instrumental towards the continued development of Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green, and Amen Thompson.
His offensive numbers might have sharply declined this year, averaging just 14.9 points in 38.8 percent shooting with 5.9 assists. But the Rockets couldn’t ask for more from the 31-year-old and the impactful presence he’s bringing to the table on a nightly basis.
Without VanVleet, the Rockets would arguably not be sitting at the No. 2 spot in the West with 32-15 — a major development after years of being one of the league’s laughing stock.
That alone should be enough for them to stick around VanVleet on a long-term look rather than taking a gamble just to acquire Fox.
