Shocker! Fred VanVleet reaches largest free-agent deal for undrafted player with Rockets
The Houston Rockets had money to spend, and Fred VanVleet sought a big payday.
The two sides found a match. VanVleet reached a three-year, $130 million deal with the Rockets on the first day of NBA free agency on Friday, a person familiar with the agreement told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the contract is signed.
He is the first player to switch teams on a max contract in this free-agent period, and the deal is the largest ever for an undrafted player. The Raptors wanted to retain VanVleet but given their financial situation, they weren’t able to go much higher than $90 million over three seasons.
VanVleet turned into an All-Star caliber guard with Toronto and was a key player on the Raptors’ 2019 championship team. He made the All-Star team in 2022, and last season, he averaged 19.3 points and 7.2 assists and shot 39.3% on 3-pointers.
In 2016, VanVleet tweeted, "Bet on yourself," and since then, he has signed a two-year, $18 million contract, a four-year, $85 million contract in 2020 (he opted out of the final year for 2023-24 to become a free agent this offseason) and now has secured a three-year, $130 million deal.
He brings a veteran presence and a stability to the backcourt for a young team that features Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr., Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr. and Kenyon Martin Jr. And the Rockets just drafted Amen Thompson of Overtime Elite and Cam Whitmore of Villanova.
The Rockets also have a new coach in Ime Udoka and are looking to make significant improvements on their 22-60 record last season.
Follow NBA reporter Jeff Zillgitt on Twitter @JeffZillgitt
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fred VanVleet, Rockets reach historic deal for undrafted player
