Report: Rockets Set To Offer Insane Contract To "Tempt" Fred VanVleet

The Houston Rockets might not get their returning hero in James Harden, but their backup plan at lead guard is in place, and it involves making a massive offer to Toronto Raptors unrestricted free agent Fred VanVleet.

The Rockets are planning to ‘tempt’ Fred VanVleet with a contract starting at $40M per year, per @michaelgrange

“One league source told me the Rockets, armed with $60 million in cap room and no state tax in Texas, are going to tempt VanVleet with a two-year deal for $80 million… pic.twitter.com/pvRP66fm5U

— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) June 28, 2023

According to Raptors beat writer Michael Grange, the Rockets will try to get FVV to bet on himself with a short-term offer averaging over $40M per season.

“One league source told me the Rockets, armed with $60 million in cap room and no state tax in Texas, are going to tempt VanVleet with a two-year deal for $80 million adding veteran stability to a roster teeming with talented players on rookie contracts.”

The Rockets have plenty of free agent targets, but VanVleet would certainly be among their very top options. 

For their part, the Raptors will still be trying to retain their point guard, and plan to meet with VanVleet in Los Angeles on Friday. He has spent the first seven years of his career in Toronto after they signed him as an undrafted free agent out of Wichita State. He's been an All-Star and an NBA champion, and with Kyle Lowry having left two years ago, he is clearly the team's heart and soul.

VanVleet averaged 19.3 points, 7.2 assists and 4.1 rebounds this past season. 

Photo: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports