# Rockets Could Trade VanVleet If He Struggles

> Houston Rockets may trade Fred VanVleet if he can't return to form after knee injury.
- Title: Rockets Could Trade VanVleet If He Struggles | Shortify
- Summary: Houston Rockets may trade Fred VanVleet if he can't return to form after knee injury. Houston Rockets could trade Fred VanVleet if he fails to regain his…
- Keywords: houston rockets, fred vanvleet, nba, knee injury, trade deadline, expiring contract, player option, sports, Rockets, Trade, VanVleet, Struggles
- Source: Houston Rockets On SI — https://si.com/nba/rockets/onsi/could-the-rockets-trade-fred-vanvleet-if-he-struggles-after-injury-01m5apnhpwfz
- Published: 2026-10-20T16:00:03+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: houston rockets, fred vanvleet, nba, knee injury, trade deadline, expiring contract, player option, sports
## VanVleet's Contract Status
VanVleet signed a one-year $25 million contract last July with player option for second season.
## Trade Veto Right
Under NBA rules, VanVleet could veto trades if he opted out of second year.
## Current Contract Status
VanVleet exercised $25 million option in July and no longer has trade veto right.
## Team Pressure
Rockets need VanVleet to return to pre-injury performance level before trade deadline.
## Team Beloved
VanVleet is beloved in Rockets organization for leading young team through losing seasons.
## Trade Options
Rockets have young players on team-friendly contracts and valuable expiring contract.
## Future Assets
Rockets could gain two lottery picks in June draft through Phoenix and Brooklyn swaps.
## Key takeaway

Houston Rockets could trade Fred VanVleet if he fails to regain his pre-injury performance level.