The Houston Rockets are in the thick of a competitive Western Conference race, sitting at 29-17, and while the young core continues to impress, there’s a glaring absence at the point guard spot. Fred VanVleet, the veteran floor general brought in to help steer this team toward contention, is still sidelined after suffering a torn ACL in September. His return timeline remains murky, and at 32 years old, there are natural questions about how he’ll look when he eventually gets back on the floor.
VanVleet brings a lot to the table - leadership, playoff experience, steady playmaking, and the kind of three-point shooting that stretches defenses and opens up the floor for Houston’s athletic wings. But with his health in limbo and the Rockets eyeing a deeper playoff push, the front office may be forced to consider its options. A trade isn’t expected before the Feb. 5 deadline, but the offseason could present a more realistic window if Houston decides to shake things up.
VanVleet holds a $25 million player option for the 2026-27 season, which gives him some control over his future. If he were to sign an extension, it would give Houston more flexibility to include his salary in a potential blockbuster deal for a star - a move that could align with the urgency to maximize the championship window around Kevin Durant. And while VanVleet’s resume includes a 2019 NBA title and an All-Star nod, there’s an open question about whether he’s the right piece to help this version of the Rockets get over the hump.
That said, this situation isn’t just about cap mechanics or roster construction. VanVleet reportedly has an implied no-trade clause, and according to reporting, he sees himself as a “Rocket for life.” There’s even talk within his camp that he could eventually transition into a front office role with the franchise once his playing days are over.
VanVleet himself pushed back on the speculation, responding to a fan on X by pointing out that he wasn’t directly quoted in the report about his future. Still, in the absence of concrete updates, fans are left to wonder what comes next. For now, VanVleet’s focus remains on rehabbing and doing whatever he can to support the team from the sidelines.
In the meantime, rookie Amen Thompson has stepped into the starting point guard role. Thompson entered the league with a reputation for elite playmaking instincts, and he’s shown flashes of why the Rockets were so high on him. He’s helping keep the offense afloat, but come playoff time, the pressure ramps up - and that’s when the absence of a seasoned floor general like VanVleet could be felt the most.
Assuming VanVleet isn’t moved at the deadline, he’ll have a couple more months to complete his rehab and, ideally, get back on the court before the postseason begins. Whether he returns as a key rotation piece or becomes part of a larger roster shake-up this summer, his presence - or absence - will be one of the defining storylines for a Rockets team trying to make the leap from playoff hopeful to legitimate contender.