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By Matt Levine
Contributing Sports Writer
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The Houston Rockets are expected to decline the team option on star guard Fred VanVleet heading into the offseason. VanVleet was scheduled to make $44.9 million this season.
The team is expected to discuss a multi-year extension with VanVleet, however. NBA insider Kelly Iko of The Athletic reported the news on social media.
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VanVleet has been a massive part of the Rockets over the last few years, and he helped change the culture in Houston. The two sides want to stay together, but at a much cheaper price tag that allows the front office to keep improving the team.
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Last season, the veteran guard averaged 14.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. VanVleet brings title experience to this team, having won back in 2019 as a member of the Toronto Raptors.
Houston just traded for star forward Kevin Durant, giving this team even more firepower. With Durant in the mix, the Rockets are firmly in the title-or-bust conversation for next season.
More Kevin Durant news: Suns Deal Kevin Durant to Rockets in Massive Blockbuster Trade
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After finishing as the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference this year, the Rockets decided to push all the chips in. Adding a player of Durant's caliber gives them a more legitimate chance to win it all, and the Rockets could be one of the favorites in the NBA.
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Along with the now reigning NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston could be a real problem in the West. While the team did lose in the first round of the playoffs, the young core gained some postseason experience, something that is undervalued around the NBA.
With Durant in the mix, the Rockets have a nice blend of young talent and veterans. Durant and VanVleet can help lead this team forward, and the hope is that Houston can win a title from this mixture of players.
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Thunder Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Almost Matched Wild LeBron James NBA Finals Feat
NBA Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady Opens Up About Never Getting Title Opportunity
For more on Kevin Durant, the Houston Rockets, the Phoenix Suns, and general NBA news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
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