Fred VanVleet is enduring his most disappointing season since joining the Houston Rockets: a severe ACL injury in September has sidelined him for nearly the entire year, with no certain timeline for a return. The results are clear: the Rockets owned the 5th worst offense in the league in January, with 3PT efficiency and turnover rates falling well below average.
Head coach Ime Udoka stated clearly last February: “Fred is the most important factor in our ecosystem. His IQ and composure—we are missing that.” Those remarks remain true to this day.
However, even though VanVleet’s absence makes the Rockets look like they are “missing a piece” to contend alongside Kevin Durant (37), trading him this season would be a massive mistake. The primary reason: VanVleet is the best “salary weapon” to trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo this summer.
The Strategic Breakdown:
Hard-Capped Constraints: The Rockets are currently hard-capped after acquiring Durant last summer—meaning they cannot receive more salary than they send out in any deal.
The Salary Bait: VanVleet earns $25M this season and $25M+ next season—an ideal figure to act as salary filler in a blockbuster deal.
Offseason Leverage: If they trade VanVleet now, the Rockets lose their most critical financial tool to “aggregate salary” for a Giannis trade (or another superstar) in the summer of 2026.
Real-World Example: Last summer, they used Dillon Brooks’ salary ($22M) as bait to match Durant’s massive $54.7M contract. VanVleet can play that exact role this year—especially with Durant turning 38 for the 2026-27 season, making this the pivotal moment for the Rockets to go “all-in” for a title.
VanVleet Wants to Stay in Houston: According to close sources, VanVleet views himself as a “Rocket for life.” He isn’t just a player; he is a “partner” to Udoka and expects to transition into the front office after retirement. His family is settled in Houston. The likelihood of him waiving a no-trade clause to leave right now is extremely low—especially within the next week.
Conclusion: The Rockets are in a somber “gap year” due to injuries and a lack of a playmaker. However, trading VanVleet now would mean destroying their strongest weapon to land Giannis this summer while Durant is still elite. Keeping VanVleet (even if he sits out the season) is the smartest strategic move, preserving Houston’s greatest financial leverage for the 2026 offseason.
Rockets Nation, what do you think?
Hold VanVleet to use as salary bait for Giannis this summer?
Trade him now to find a replacement PG before the deadline?