Rockets Extend VanVleet, Acquire Durant in Blockbuster

Fred VanVleet has signed a two-year, $50 million contract extension with the Houston Rockets after the team declined his $44.9 million team option, reinforcing his role as a leader. In a major trade, the Rockets acquired Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the 10th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and five second-round picks. VanVleet publicly acknowledged the contributions of departing teammates Green and Brooks, who helped transform the team's culture. During the playoffs, VanVleet and Draymond Green of the Warriors resolved a heated exchange, with Draymond issuing a personal apology. Houston finished last season as the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference and now features a core of VanVleet, Durant, Alperen Şengün, and Amen Thompson. The Rockets are positioned as top contenders, though catching the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder remains a significant challenge.