VanVleet reportedly sees himself as a "Rocket for life" and could seize a future front-office role in Houston.
With his continued absence due to a torn ACL, many see Fred VanVleet as a major trade candidate for the Houston Rockets ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline.
Houston Rockets / Schedule
But despite speculations and reports, VanVleet and the Rockets are locked in and fully committed to each other in the long run.
According to Michael Shapiro of Chron, VanVleet sees himself as a Rocket lifer, in which he is also positioned for a potential front-office role within Houston once his career ends.
"VanVleet, per a source close to him, sees himself as a 'Rocket for life.' That's not hyperbole. He's more a partner with Udoka than a player for him, and those in VanVleet's camp note a possible transition to Houston's front office after VanVleet's playing days," Shapiro wrote.
"VanVleet and his family are plenty comfortable in their new adopted city. He's personally aligned with his current organization. Pulling the plug on the partnership over the next week feels, while not impossible, increasingly unlikely as of Friday."
VanVleet, who originally joined Houston in 2023 as the team's major acquisition, recommitted with the Rockets in a reported two-year, $50 million contract last offseason. He also holds a no-trade clause, which gives him the power to veto any potential deals that will subject him.
His playing status this season is yet to be known after sustaining an ACL injury just days before the training camp.
VanVleet has established himself as the Rockets' leader. His arrival helped Houston take the next step and become an eventual contender. He averaged 14.1 points and 5.6 assists in 60 games, aiding the Rockets' 52-win outing and second-seed finish last year.
With key needs at point guard and center, the Rockets will continue to survey the trade market while keeping VanVleet out of discussions.
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