Former Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Fred VanVleet signs historic max deal with Rockets

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 6/30/23

An All-Star and NBA champion, Fred VanVleet has come a long way since going undrafted in 2016. On Friday, VanVleet's remarkable rise continued, as he agreed to a historic deal with the Houston Rockets hours after the kick-off of NBA free agency on Friday.

The former Toronto Raptors star came to terms on a three-year, $130 million contract with the Rockets. VanVleet's lucrative new deal is the largest ever for an undrafted player in the history of the NBA.

Fred VanVleet's $130M contract is the largest for an undrafted player in NBA history. pic.twitter.com/jMqQuO2er9
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) July 1, 2023

After failing to hear his name called at the 2016 NBA Draft, VanVleet earned a spot with the Raptors but averaged only 7.9 minutes his rookie year. Three seasons removed from playing an essential role on the Raptors' title team in 2019, VanVleet earned his first All-Star nod.

VanVleet's story is one of perseverance and belief in one's self. As Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press pointed out, after signing for $540,000 during his rookie season, VanVleet will make $525,000 per game over his new contract with Houston.

In 69 games for the Raptors in 2022-23, VanVleet averaged 19.3 points, 7.2 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 1.8 steals. Now, he joins a young Rockets team as a veteran leader for first-year head coach Ime Udoka.

VanVleet leaves Toronto after seven seasons, averaging 14.6 points, 5.3 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals over 417 career games.

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