With significant salary cap room and a clear need for veterans, many media reports have linked the Houston Rockets to a potential pursuit of Fred VanVleet once the NBA’s 2023 free agency window officially opens at 5 p.m. Central on Friday, June 30.
For months, the thought around the league was Houston would pursue a reunion with James Harden to fill its lead-guard role. But the Rockets appear to be view VanVleet as a cleaner fit for their young and rebuilding roster, while Harden looks more likely to stay put with a veteran-laden title contender in Philadelphia.
Then again, the question is if VanVleet will accept the financial terms being offered by general manager Rafael Stone. The Rockets appear willing to offer a maximum contract to the 29-year-old floor general, but only for two years. That type of deal would give Houston future flexibility, should VanVleet’s play decline or if they need to turn the page to a developing prospect such as Amen Thompson.
As of midday Wednesday, June 28, here’s where things appear to stand, according to various media reports across the league. For the first time in weeks, there also appears to be growing pessimism in Houston’s ability to lure big man Brook Lopez from Milwaukee.