To be clear, Kyrie hates playing in a mask

Fred VanVleet has one more guaranteed season under contract with the Houston Rockets. The team has a $44.9 million option on VanVleet for the 2025-26 season. If the veteran point guard has his way, he’ll be in Houston for a long time.

“I didn’t come here to be a rental,” VanVleet said. “I didn’t come here to be a free agent (again). I came here for a long-term home. I’ve loved my time here so far. I think I have a good understanding with management and the coaches about what the future looks like with this team. The business will always take care of itself. I don’t really get too concerned with that stuff. That stuff will work itself out. But I think my family and I will be in Texas. I came here for a home, and I think I found one.”

VanVleet is also relishing helping a young team grow into a playoff contender. He uses his experience as an undrafted player to mentor his younger teammates.

“Every last one of them, I have a great relationship with all the guys,” VanVleet said. “There’s a lot more of us than there is … stars in the league. The rest of the guys are trying to figure it out. I can always relate to those guys. I always tell the story I was a side-hoop guy. I was the guy shooting on the side with no coaches. I was rebounding with myself. I always keep that in mind.”