Good news, VanVleet made it clear after losing to the Warriors in the seventh game that he had no intention of leaving the Rockets

Rockets guard Fred VanVleet announced his transfer intention before the free agent market opened.

Fred VanVleet left the Raptors in 2023 to join the Houston Rockets after playing for the Toronto Raptors for seven years and winning the championship in 2023. His move aims to become a senior leader of the young rising team of the Western Conference. The Rockets took an important step this season, winning second in the Western Conference and dragging the Golden State Warriors, led by Stephen Curry, into Game 7, a 1-3-something series.

Although the Houston Rockets lost 89-103 at home to the Warriors' seventh game Sunday night, the team proved that they will be strong rivals for the championship for many years to come.

Although VanVleet's performance this season was unstable, averaging only 14.1 points per game, setting a record low in the 2018-19 season, he stood up at the Rockets' most critical moment. In a seven-game playoff series with the Golden State Warriors, the experienced point guard was a key figure in the team’s success, averaging 18.7 points per game and shooting 43.5% from three points.

VanVleet scored at least 25 points in three straight games, helping the Rockets get out of the 1-3-lost Warriors and drag the game into Game 7. After losing on Sunday, VanVleet was asked about his future with the team because he had a 2025-26 player option in his contract, worth $44.8 million. Regardless of the option ultimately, VanVleet made it clear that he hoped his future would stay with the team.

"I know I'm still a newcomer here, but I'll never talk about contract matters publicly," Van Vleet said in a post-match press conference. "I handle these things privately, but obviously, I'm all in it, and that's where I want to stay. It's definitely a family belonging. I love our coaching staff, Raphael (Stone) and the Fertitta family very much."

"When I was at the free agent meeting two years ago, it was never a short-term vision. It was a long-term goal, so we're going well now and everything goes as planned. Losing and ending the season is tough, but I'm not thinking about the contract now. Let's talk about it then."

Rockets and VanVleet did have some time to plan his long-term future in Houston, as his team options won't be decided until June 29. Currently, the Rockets are expected to approach their first pre-tax turnaround, with salary commitments of more than $190 million in the 2025-26 season.

While the Rockets may use this team option to reorganize VanVleet's contract, even head coach Ime Udoka made it clear that he does not intend to let the 31-year-old defender play for other teams in the short term.

"I think both sides want to stay here and hope he can stay," Udoka said. "He is a big part of our growth. I love everything he does.

"I really want him back, and I think we both are willing to do so. ”

After losing to the Warriors, the Rockets will be caught in a series of trading rumors. With talented players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant likely to enter the trading market, Jaylen Green's future in the team has also suddenly become a hot topic due to the dull playoff performance.

Nevertheless, regardless of VanVleet's team options ultimately, his future in Houston seems to be determined. All signs suggest that VanVleet will be the veteran leader in the Rockets' roster starting in the 2025-26 season.