Fred VanVleet reveals why he left Raptors for Rockets

During an interview with NBA writer Kelly Iko of The Athletic, Fred VanVleet talked about why he signed with the Houston Rockets in free agency. The former Toronto Raptors guard signed a three-year, $128 million contract with the Rockets.

“Houston is a great place to be,” VanVleet said. “I had to evaluate the options that were on the table and for me, at the time, it was the best option. I went with what made the most sense for me and my family. Just from mingling and meeting with the guys, Ime is a huge reason (I came). Meeting with Stone and management and them giving me their vision of where they are and where I am in my career, it’s a perfect match. Just excited to be here.”

VanVleet averaged 19.3 points, 4.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists last season for the Raptors. He shot 39.3% from the floor, 34.2% from beyond the arc and 89.8% from the free-throw line. 

The Rockets won only 22 games last season. They haven’t made the playoffs since 2020. New head coach Ime Udoka wants to establish a winning culture in Houston, and adding VanVleet will help that cause since the guard is a proven winner who can score and facilitate at a high level.

An anonymous member of the Rockets told NBA writer Keith Smith of Spotrac in Summer League that the franchise views VanVleet as a great “organizer.” The Rockets think VanVleet is going to enhance Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr. in a significant way.

“Fred is going to be so great for us as an organizer,” the anonymous member of the Rockets said. “He’ll enhance Jalen, Jabari and Kevin in a big way. Some think Fred and Dillon (Brooks) are going to take reps away from the kids, but we don’t see it that way. They are going to help those guys grow up quicker than they would have otherwise. Same with Jeff Green. We’re excited about getting them in the gym with the young guys.”