Fischer: Rockets interested in reaching long term deal with Fred VanVleet

It’s good that they are talking. The Rockets need to find out NOW what Fred wants to do. Knowing what Fred wants to do helps the Rockets in deciding what needs to be done now before the trade deadline.

Something we don’t really know is how the Rockets view Reed Sheppard. I think the Rockets drafted Reed with hopes he would replace Fred. The Rockets may still be high on Reed, but they may feel more comfortable if they had Fred locked up on a reasonable and tradeable contract which would give Reed time to develop.

 

I used to think he could be our Kyle Lowry it was at least onthe level of prime Kyle Kowry but I was duped. FVV is solid but he’s not as good as Kyle Lowry

 

Yes, work a team-friendly deal and resign him, he's a great long-term mentor. Let Amen and Reed develop and he can move to a reduced role over time based on who runs the offense the best.

 

I always assumed his contract would be dealt in a big deal.
But, he's glue...for awhile.. 2 yrs/ 43 mil..no more.

 

I'm ok with this for something short term - decline the option next year, and give him 2 years at MV (which is def not 43 mil for 15 and 6, on bad shooting)

But, only if his minutes are reduced (maybe even the 6th man, continue to mentor the youngsters), and he doesn't block the progression of our youngsters. I know Ime trusts him, but in the final minute yesterday, he had a bad TO and 2 bad 3 point misses.

 

I would riot at the capital if this is the extension. FVV was never worth 40 million plus even in his prime

 

I’m guessing it would be something like 3/90 with a team option. That would synch him up well with Brooks’ contract, which falls off in a couple of seasons. Wouldn’t hate it, but I far prefer the deferential FVV to the one we saw last night.

 

If the Rockets believe in Reed Shepherd, I'm ok with extending Fred with the idea that Reed will someday be our starter.

 

No thanks. He isn't worth 3/90 as a bench player next season.

 

I'm fine with FVV as backup PG to Amen on a two-year deal at something reasonable that won't hinder the Rockets ability to make roster and salary decisions.

 

Everything I've heard from Fred in interviews is that he plans to stay in Houston long term. I think he takes a team-friendly contract and agrees to get moved to the bench when it comes time. He would be the perfect back up PG on a contending team.

 

Yep. I think an opt-in with a lower role player level salary moving forward after that works for both sides.

As it has been mentioned, that opens the door for Jalen/Amen/Reed to take on larger roles as they develop. It also, makes him a better trade asset as his salary drops. I honestly, think this was the plan from the start. You basically build in role players for when the young guys are ready.

 

I think the majority of fans expected this.


There are few if any upgrades available in FA or even trade where the cost would be prohibitive in terms of assets.
The other issue with free agency is not having cap space to offer - Letting FVV walk and renouncing all your FA's nets you ~$19.2m with 5 open roster spots a glaring hole at PG, backup C and the 3rd guard spot though the T-MLE could help fill one.


The cost really does have to come down, maybe exercise the option for next year then an extension for 2 years, with a descending salary similar to Brooks current deal.


Doing this means you don't have to renounce your FA's retaining their bird rights and salary slots above the cap - you have nonessential pieces and salary to deal.


I do want them to try and upgrade the position ..... doesn't need to be an overly dynamic player but one with a high A/T ratio & above average shooting & defense but in the event that fails, I'm content with FVV as the short term solution - on the right contract,

 

It’s much ado about nothing. Any new deal, no matter what the price tag, keeps us over the cap. So there will be no free agency or big moves. We will probably try to re-sign Adams and maybe Tate. They could pick up Landale’s option as roster filler and tradable salary.

The main point for extending Fred is to lower his salary to re-sign our own players and stay under the tax. If we don’t do that and just pick up his option, we are against the tax and have to let Adams, Tate, etc. walk and we’re stuck signing minimum players. This will allow us to keep some quality bench depth and have significant enough salaries to facilitate a trade later, if necessary.

 

Apologies to the haters, but I freaking love this guy. Cool head, high IQ, exemplary work ethic, and fits perfectly with our youngs. He makes nearly all the right decisions, and when he's out, the quality of our possessions drops precipitously. When he can't play anymore, I expect to see him coaching at a high level.

 

Facts. He is as responsible as anyone for everything that has gone well in Houston, including the development of Alperen and JG.

I hope we can give him a lot of years for lower dollars.

Fred is the man.

 

I would be totally shocked if we gave FVV guaranteed money past year 1 (i.e., past 2025-26).

For better or worse, in the base case there will be no room on our cap sheet for FVV (or Dillon) on >MLE salaries once Jabari and Tari's extensions hit in 25/26, then Amen's hits the year after.

Sure we might make a trade by that point... but that would be for someone else making a big salary.

Yes Tilman might decide to pay the tax at some point in the future if this team is a title contender... but he's not gonna sign off on setting us up to be in the tax as the glide path.

 

since the rockets are a poor shooting team it is very important that they create points by having possession/shot attempts differential in their favor

that means outrebounding the opponent and keeping the rockets turnovers at a minimum

fred one of the best in the business at controlling turnover rate both his own and the teams

not a 1 40 though

3 40 with team option on ng 3rd season