HOUSTON, TEXAS – APRIL 30: Fred VanVleet #5 and Amen Thompson #1 of the Houston Rockets high five in front of Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors during the third quarter in game five of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on April 30, 2025 in Houston, Texas. Note to User: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading or using this photograph, User is agreeing to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Schlitz/Getty Images)
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There was optimism this year that starting point guard Fred VanVleet could possibly return to the Rockets’ lineup before the start of the postseason. At the beginning of the year, VanVleet himself said that his surgeon had given him a six-month tentative timetable, which would put March 2026 as a best-case scenario. And in early January, according to reports, the team had not ruled out VanVleet’s return in 2026. But recently, head coach Ime Udoka closed the door on any hopes of a potential comeback this season, saying that VanVleet was exclusively doing non-contact work and that the team would only ramp things up at the six-month mark. “Obviously if you’re not getting on the court and making contact at the end of the season, you’re not thinking about playing,” Udoka said.
The Rockets, of course, raised eyebrows by opting not to trade to replace VanVleet during this year’s offseason and before the midseason trade deadline. Instead, the organization prioritized on-ball reps for former lottery selections Amen Thompson and Reed Shepard, to mixed results. The message from Houston’s front office has been consistent throughout the season: As soon as VanVleet went down, this season became about the future, even despite the blockbuster offseason trade to acquire Kevin Durant.
VanVleet has a player option on his contract this upcoming summer that he will almost certainly exercise; VanVleet is expected to earn $25 million in 2026-2027. VanVleet signed a two-year, $50 million contract last summer before tearing his ACL.
The Rockets have started most of the season with Thompson at point guard. Shepard recently took over. There have been mixed results for both players. Thompson has struggled as a playmaker and teams have turned away from him due to his inability to shoot. As for Shepard, the second-year guard has struggled to earn consistent minutes from Udoka due to defensive concerns. At this point, it seems to be a safe bet that VanVleet will return to the starting lineup early next season, as neither young guard will be able to regain control of his starting role.
Per Spotrac, VanVleet has earned $190.20 million during his career.
