Fred VanVleet is staying with the Houston Rockets for the 2026-27 season, opting into his player option for $25 million — giving the team stability at point guard after a brutal playoff exit. His return is especially meaningful after missing last season with an ACL tear, during which he was sidelined but still delivered elite play before the injury — averaging 14 points and 6 assists while earning a $50M extension. With VanVleet back and rookie Reed Sheppard proving himself in all 82 games last year, Houston now has a dynamic backcourt duo. While a trade isn’t off the table, VanVleet’s commitment provides immediate clarity. He admits he initially downplayed the injury’s severity, but now he’s focused on full recovery for training camp — and the Rockets can finally breathe a sigh of relief.

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Fred VanVleet is staying with the Houston Rockets for at least one more season, opting into a $25M deal after missing last year with a torn ACL — a huge loss for a team that craved his playmaking. His return offers stability at point guard, especially with no true replacement found last season, and if he recovers fully, could be a smart investment. The Rockets now focus on his comeback and adding depth to the backcourt, hoping VanVleet’s veteran leadership and scoring ability can reignite their playoff push.

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Nick Stevenson is stepping down from his two-year role at The Dream Shake after a whirlwind journey that began when he was unexpectedly tapped by admired writer Lachard Binkley — who later landed a job at SI.com and asked Nick to take his place. With zero writing experience, Nick seized the chance, submitted a sample, and landed the gig — a dream come true. Now, he’s leaving not because he’s moving on, but because he feels he’s not giving his best lately and doesn’t want to hold the site back. He’s full of gratitude to Darren Yuvan, his colleagues, and the Rockets community — and while this is a temporary farewell, his passion for the team and the site remains strong.

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The Houston Rockets’ Durant-led season didn’t pan out as hoped, finishing fifth but getting knocked out early—thanks in part to Durant’s injuries. Fred VanVleet, who missed the whole year, breaks down the dynamics: playing with a superstar like KD is a whole new level, and the young core struggled to adjust. VanVleet notes that Durant didn’t need to be the vocal leader—he was already doing enough by just playing. The real lesson? It’s about patience and chemistry, and while the season was tough, VanVleet believes the foundation is being laid for future success with Durant back next year.

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Houston’s making a bold move for Marcus Smart, the gritty guard who just left the Lakers — the very team that eliminated them last postseason. With a history to coach Ime Udoka and a lucrative multi-year offer on the table, Smart could be headed to the Rockets, leaving behind a $5.4M player option. His durability, defensive fire, and playoff-ready energy make him a perfect fit — and this potential trade could reshape the league.

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Five New Cities, One Big Mission - A Message from Corey

The NBA offseason’s chaos continues as Houston Rockets pivot from Jaylen Brown to Kawhi Leonard, who’s suddenly a real possibility after a stellar Clippers season. With KD already in the fold, Kawhi’s scoring, defense, and shot creation could be the perfect fit — especially if he’s open to a reunion with San Antonio or Toronto. The Rockets need PG, center, and shooters — Kawhi delivers all three. Now the big question: what’s Houston willing to trade?

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The Houston Rockets are staying patient this offseason, refusing to trade away Amen Thompson and only eyeing moves that truly elevate their championship chances. With whispers around Durant, Sengun, and others, nothing’s concrete — and even Jaylen Brown’s rumored availability doesn’t fix their roster’s core needs. They’re leaning into their current group, especially with key players returning from injury, betting that evaluation beats desperation.

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