League: NBA Sport: Basketball Country: United States Category: Playoffs

Houston Rockets expect Fred VanVleet to return next season

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 9, 2026, 7:43 PM

Last updated Aug 9, 2026

Houston Rockets expect Fred VanVleet to return next season

Summary

The Houston Rockets are poised to re-integrate Fred VanVleet for the 2026-2027 NBA season after his recovery from a torn ACL and meniscus. VanVleet missed the entire 2025-2026 campaign, a period in which the Rockets finished fifth in the Western Conference but were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. Teammate Jabari Smith Jr. expressed optimism about the team's growth and maturity with VanVleet’s return. VanVleet, a former NBA champion with the Toronto Raptors, brings valuable experience to a roster featuring Kevin Durant and younger players. He has exercised a player option worth $25 million for the upcoming season and is expected to target a return for the preseason.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Fred VanVleet missed the entire 2025-2026 NBA season due to injury.
•The Rockets finished the season with a 52-30 record.
•Houston lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Los Angeles Lakers.
•VanVleet exercised his $25 million player option for the next season.
•Teammate Jabari Smith Jr. highlighted the team's potential for growth.

Latest Updates

7:43 PMYahoo Sports — Major NBA Champion Identified To Boost Houston Rockets Next Season

What they're saying

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The Houston Rockets have gone under the radar this offseason. They did not make major moves or add any star so far, but they are expected to remain a threat in the Western Conference with one big return. The team is seen to re-integrate former NBA champion point guard Fred VanVleet for next season to […] The post Major NBA Champion Identified To Boost Houston Rockets Next Season appeared first on HEAVY.
— Yahoo Sports

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