Rockets’ Steven Adams Deal Opens Door for Another Vet Return

The Houston Rockets have been the subject of trade rumors since their post-season exit at the hands of the Golden State Warriors. The rumors haven’t necessarily focused on who may leave the team but more so on who could join. The two names are, of course, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant. While the trade rumors swirl, Houston appears set on keeping its veteran core together, and it started by retaining an 11-year veteran on a three-year deal. With Steven Adams locked up, the attention should now shift to another Rockets veteran, Fred VanVleet, who also could receive a new deal. 

Rockets’ Steven Adams Deal Opens door for Another Vet Return

Houston Rockets have decision to make on new Fred VanVleet deal after Steven Adams return

The good news is that both the Rockets and VanVleet have a reported mutual interest in a continued partnership. For the Rockets, keeping the former champion should be a priority if they want to maintain a level of veteran presence and leadership on a largely otherwise young and exceptionally talented roster. Adams, VanVleet, and Dillon Brooks make up Houston’s veteran leadership. Brooks is in the middle of a four-year deal, and unless traded in an offseason deal, he is expected to remain in Houston. He’s the perfect fit under Ime Udokah and the Rockets culture.

VanVleet has been a key contributor to Houston’s growth and success over the past two seasons, and his championship pedigree speaks for itself. If a mutual interest is legitimate, that only helps the Rockets down the road, not hinder it. While VanVleet is a valuable trade asset all the same, it should be in Houston’s best interest to keep him in-house.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, VanVleet could be retained either by the Rockets exercising his $ 44.9 million option or by the other route of VanVleet declining and the two parties working on a new contract altogether. With Houston locking up Adams on his extension, it might foreshadow good news for VanVleet on a restructured deal over the summer.

There is value in keeping the veterans

Again, the Rockets are largely a youth-centered team who are only just beginning to break through the barrier of competing at playoff-level basketball. Houston made the postseason this past season after falling just short last year. Their significant leap forward in ’25 had much to do with the growth and improved development of their young players.

Amen Thompson made the substantial leap of the group, showing that he is on an All-Star pace. Others, such as Alperen Şengün, Jabari Smith Jr., Cam Whitmore, and Tari Eason, have all shown immense promise as part of Houston’s young core. Jalen Green, perhaps the most talented player on the roster, has shown great potential, but his postseason failure sparked a lot of conversation regarding his future with the Rockets. 

While the youth on the Rockets may be their greatest strength in a suffocating Western Conference, their veterans are just as vital to the team’s success going forward. Locking up Adams was important; Brooks plays an important role as well. As for VanVleet, he’s the champion on the team. His leadership, grit, and experience are the perfect blend that can keep the team’s youth hungry and wanting more. Will Houston have success should VanVleet move on? Likely, yes. However, his value is too great to go that route, at least right now. Not when identity remains one of Houston’s most significant areas for further development.

 

The post Rockets’ Steven Adams Deal Opens Door for Another Vet Return appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.