“League sources say that the Rockets are still deciding how to proceed with Fred VanVleet's $44.9 million team option,” Stein wrote. “There is no scenario in circulation, however, to suggest that VanVleet will be anywhere other than Houston when training camp opens in late September.”

Announcing themselves as a contender in the Western Conference, the Rockets on Sunday acquired 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Dillon Brooks, Jalen Green, the 10th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and five future second-round selections.