With significant salary cap room and a clear need for veterans, many media reports have linked the Houston Rockets to a potential pursuit of Fred VanVleet once the NBA’s 2023 free agency window officially opens at 5 p.m. Central on Friday, June 30.
For months, the thought around the league was Houston would pursue a reunion with James Harden to fill its lead-guard role. But the Rockets appear to be view VanVleet as a cleaner fit for their young and rebuilding roster, while Harden looks more likely to stay put with a veteran-laden title contender in Philadelphia.
Then again, the question is if VanVleet will accept the financial terms being offered by general manager Rafael Stone. The Rockets appear willing to offer a maximum contract to the 29-year-old floor general, but only for two years. That type of deal would give Houston future flexibility, should VanVleet’s play decline or if they need to turn the page to a developing prospect such as Amen Thompson.
As of midday Wednesday, June 28, here’s where things appear to stand, according to various media reports across the league. For the first time in weeks, there also appears to be growing pessimism in Houston’s ability to lure big man Brook Lopez from Milwaukee.
Rockets aggressively chasing non-Harden free agents
The Rockets are out there, from what I am told, very aggressively chasing other free agents. They are not acting as if they think are getting James Harden.
James Harden expected to stay in Philadelphia
.@WindhorstESPN weighs in on Harden's future with the 76ers:
"The indications are that James Harden is going to remain in Philadelphia." pic.twitter.com/WggFUxGHb8
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) June 28, 2023
Rockets pursuing Fred VanVleet at two-year maximum contract
The Rockets want to sign (Fred) VanVleet to a max two-year deal projected at $83.6 million.
VanVleet and Memphis’ Dillon Brooks continue to be the free agents most frequently billed as Houston-bound this week, with James Harden increasingly projected to return to Philadelphia on a two or three-year contract.
Brook Lopez likely to spurn Rockets?
(Brook) Lopez — despite Houston’s well-chronicled interest and the presumed threat to a Rockets bid would carry — is likewise leaning toward a Bucks return.
Another source with knowledge of the situation in Houston suggested the possibility of the Rockets’ signing Lopez is overblown — “not happening,” they said.
Raptors to meet with VanVleet on Friday night
The Raptors are expected to meet VanVleet in Los Angeles on Friday night.
Raptors will not match a $40-million annual bid from Houston?
“Everyone outside the (Raptors) seem to say VanVleet is leaving,” said one league source. “But if you’re an agent, that’s what you want everyone to say.”
Another source with knowledge of the situation in Houston. … said the notion of a $40 million offer for VanVleet has yet to materialize, though the Rockets’ interest in the Raptors point guard is very real.
For their part, the Raptors have remained confident they can reach an agreement with VanVleet and feel he wants to remain in Toronto as well, but they aren’t in a position to match a $40 million offer.
“They might have a glass ceiling on the upper end of what they’re willing to pay,” said one source.
Rockets exploring trade market for KJ Martin, Usman Garuba, Josh Christopher
There’s been plenty of other trade conversations across the league, most notably with the Houston Rockets continuing to gauge rival teams’ interest in young players KJ Martin, Usman Garuba, and Josh Christopher on Tuesday, sources said.
