Earlier this year, the Houston Rockets took over the offseason with a historic seven-team trade to land Kevin Durant. Pumped up with Durant and Fred VanVleet on their roster, the Rockets were ready to aim for the 2026 NBA championship.
However, VanVleet’s heartbreaking ACL injury might have halted all possible plans. After all, the veteran point guard is a key factor to the Rockets’ success.
Can the Houston Rockets Refocus Without Fred VanVleet on the Court?
Weeks away from the 2025-26 season, the Rockets need to figure out a way to replace VanVleet’s production. However, with their current salary cap, that might not be an option. The Rockets need money to replace VanVleet’s production, something which is pivotal to a successful 2024-25 season.
A recent report in Jake Fischer’s “The People’s Insider” highlighted the same, stating that the team probably doesn’t have a plan to make a move yet.
“No reactionary moves are expected from Houston following VanVleet’s devastating torn ACL sustained earlier this week during the Rockets’ own mini-camp. At least not yet,” the report read.
“The word out of Houston is that the Rockets will use the next few months to evaluate both recent No. 3 pick Reed Sheppard and standout swingman Amen Thompson in greater ballhandling capacities before Trade Season truly begins December 15,” they added.
They added that the Rockets have no ‘shortage of support’ to give Thompson the responsibility, the offense relying on Alperen Şengün and Durant.
The report further explained: “The reality, of course, is that the Rockets have almost no financial flexibility anyway to address their sudden need in the backcourt before December or January anyway given that they’re hard-capped at the first apron.”
Furthermore, Durant might also land a contract extension with the team. Currently, Durant is eligible for a two-year extension with the Rockets worth $122 million.
VanVleet Remains Confident of Rockets’ Ability to Win
While fans and analysts are worried about the Rockets’ season, VanVleet has maintained high spirits. Talking from his hospital bed, VanVleet said:
“We’re gonna get another one,” VanVleet said from the hospital. “We’re gonna get that Houston ring. A rocket’s gonna come out the bottom of it. We gotta bet back to the dance, man.”
Read More: 5 Rockets Trade Targets: NBA Insider Reveals Potential Fred VanVleet Replacements
The 31-year-old even posted on Instagram, letting fans know that he feels all the love they are sending his way.
Averaging 14.1 points and 5.6 assists per game in the 2024 season, VanVleet will always remain one of the most important veterans in the Rockets’ locker room. That being said, the Rockets are yet to rule out a 2025-26 return, maintaining a sliver of hope as the new campaign approaches.
