Rockets guard Fred VanVleet has sustained a torn ACL, reports Shams Charania of ESPN.
According to Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports (Twitter link), VanVleet suffered the right knee injury at an unofficial team minicamp in the Bahamas. The one-time All-Star and 2019 NBA champion will undergo surgery this week, Iko adds.
It’s a devastating blow for both Houston and VanVleet, who re-signed with the Rockets this summer on a two-year, $50MM contract.
VanVleet will earn $25MM each of the next two seasons, with a player option for 2026/27 he seems likely to exercise now that he appears destined to miss the entire ’25/26 campaign with a major knee injury.
VanVleet, 31, has been one of the keys to Houston’s dramatic turnaround. The Rockets went 17-55, 20-62 and 22-60 in the three years before he signed with the team as a free agent in 2023. With VanVleet as the starting point guard, Houston had a 41-41 record in ’23/24, followed by a 52-30 mark last season.
While VanVleet took a minor statistical step back last season in several categories, averaging 14.1 points, 5.6 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 1.6 steals while shooting 34.5% on three-pointers in 60 regular season games, the Rockets were consistently better when he was on the court (+6.2) than when he was off it (+2.9).
VanVleet also had a strong playoff showing in Houston’s first-round loss to Golden State, averaging 18.7 PPG, 4.4 APG, 4.1 RPG and 1.1 SPG while shooting 43.5% from long distance in the seven-game series. When he was on the court in the playoffs, the Rockets had a +3.9 net rating in 280 minutes; in the 56 minutes he didn’t play, their net rating was an abysmal -17.1.
As ESPN’s Bobby Marks notes (via Twitter), the Rockets will likely apply for a disabled player exception in the wake of VanVleet’s injury. However, they’re hard-capped at the first apron and currently only $1.25MM below that threshold, which means they wouldn’t be able to use the DPE right now to add a 15th player to their standard roster even if it was granted.
Reed Sheppard, Amen Thompson and Aaron Holiday are among the candidates to receive more minutes and ball-handling duties for Houston in the wake of VanVleet’s unfortunate injury.
Pretty devastating news for the Rockets. FVV has declined some, but he was a stabilizing presence for the team and it was very obvious when he got hurt last year the team had troubles.
Fred was flat out awful last year. Go look at the game by game stats, he couldn’t throw a rock into an ocean most nights and was a complete liability on the defensive end.
And yet they won when he played, and lost when he didnt.
Kind of true was banged up. He showed up in playoffs though. They will miss his vet presence.
Game by game stats don’t always tell the whole story. He’s the leader of the team and an actual PG that they really don’t have on the roster besides him. They were better with him than without. That’s a fact.
Say ……….. Rory Maher ——. the author of this post. Can you tell us all. If a player like Brogdon. On a non guaranteed camp deal. Leave to sign a guaranteed deal with another team. Like Rockets in this case ……. Thank You
Fred VanVleet suffers ACL tear
Sep. 22, 2025, 2:59 PM CDT
Shams Charania: Just in: Houston Rockets’ Fred VanVleet has suffered a torn ACL, sources tell ESPN. A devastating, potentially season-ending loss for the Rockets with their starting point guard and leader.
Twitter
Brogdon, Smith calling all PGs. I would also look at PGs who could be traded. Sheppard can help. You need PG depth now ….. Holiday has to play now. Brogdon healthy is a good choice.
Are the Knicks going to let Brogdon out of the contract he signed?
Not guaranteed. He can just leave. Especially if Rockets guarantee one.
KnickerbockerAl:
Are you sure about this? I thought with a non-guaranteed contract, the team can let go of the player any time, but the player can only go to another team if the team is willing to terminate the contract. That was my understanding.
Look it up. I just did. He can go. Smith left Knicks for Mavs. Brogdon doesn’t have a contract. Only a training camp deal to try iut for team. He can go sign with another team.
KnickerbockerAl:
I tried looking up, but what I just read indicated he couldn’t. I’m wondering what you read that side he could. I can’t seem to find it. I’m not sure why you’re bringing up Smith though because he didn’t sign a non-guaranteed contract with the Knicks. He just had a tryout. That’s not the same situation.
O googled it. But I know Smith left Knicks.
AI Overview
Yes, a player on a non-guaranteed training camp contract can leave for another team if they are not the player’s primary choice, as the contract is not binding for the entire season. They could leave to join a different team or play overseas, but this would void any Exhibit 10 bonus they are entitled to if they join their team’s NBA G League affiliate.
Please do not use AI Overview as a source. Good grief.
Why …… I checked it out more than once. Plus this is not AI its AL overview lol. seriously I checked it out. Smith just left Knicks for Dallas. Non guaranteed deals , you can leave for a better opportunity.
I can’t claim to know this specifically about the NBA, but in other professional sports leagues a “non-guaranteed” contract does not mean the player can simply walk away from it at any time, regardless of the reason.
A non-guaranteed contract usually means the player has signed a deal in which the team can release him at any time and not be responsible for paying him any money upon his release.
If it were a guaranteed contract, then a team could still release the player at any time, but they must also pay the player the full remaining portion of his salary for the year (or entire length of time remaining in the deal, unless a player is claimed off waivers, in which case the team claiming the player would then assume the remainder of the contract).
ETA: Perhaps the NBA operates differently. But I’ve never heard of it working how you claim in any sport. The only way a player can normally walk away from a “non-guaranteed” contract is of the contract has specific terms written into it allowing them to do so.
KnickerbockerAl
Smith didn’t leave the Knicks. He just had a workout with them. He never signed a contract so that situation doesn’t compare. As far as Brogdon and the non-guaranteed contract, this is what I read:
No, a player cannot simply “leave” an NBA non-guaranteed contract to sign with any other team at any time; they are first released by the team, which can happen at any point before the NBA’s designated “guarantee date” to save money, after which the player becomes an unrestricted free agent and is free to sign with any team that offers them a contract, with no restrictions on the timing of their new deal once they become a free agent.
As far as non-guaranteed contracts are concerned, I admit I don’t really fully know what’s accurate. You could be right that he’s free to leave, but I haven’t been able to find that. Maybe you’re googling skills are better than mine lol
Do you understand the definition of a non guaranteed contract. Anyone can walk away from that player or team. Why would a team deny a player from signing a guaranteed contract elsewhere ….
KnickerbockerAl:
Well it’s hard to take you seriously when you keep talking about Dennis Smith having left Knicks. as an example. He never signed a contract. He did not have a non-guaranteed contract. He only had a workout with the team. And as far as non-guaranteed contracts go that’s for the team, not the player, as far as I know. So I think you’re wrong in this case. Players are not free to leave a contract, but teams are free to let them out of that contract whenever they want. And if there’s interest from another team, the Knicks can convert Brogdons contract into a guaranteed contract, if they so choose.
He can’t leave he Is signed and he is the front runner to be the backup point guard. It looks like Kolek is battling shamet. Although I don’t see the point of bringing shamet back.
The rockets are not contender and never were. Kd is an upgrade but old and doesn’t play defense. Everybody that’s 36 and up is no longer a factor to win a championship and cannot carry a team to a championship. Vanvleet is too small and took a major step back this year. He was going to take another on this year. They couldn’t beat the warriors last year and the warriors honestly really weren’t that good. His career pretty much is over now unless he becomes a backup for about 4 to 8 minutes losing a year. He’s going to take another step back after the step back. He just took. Don’t think people realize 35 on down Is the end of NBA players, careers and for Superstars? They are now the second or third star on a team and can’t carry a team to a championship.
Everybody talks about LeBron. LeBron hasn’t won anything and if it wasn’t for the bubble championship we would be talking almost 7 to 8 years of not winning or going to an NBA finals. Yes, you can put up numbers at 35 but you are physically not a two-way player anymore and cannot carry a team to a championship without a crazy supporting cast or another Superstar on your team. It’s over for KD, LeBron (as the man) (he has Luka), Steph. They won’t win anymore unless they get another young Star
Durant asking for a trade by the deadline lmao.
What makes you think he hasn’t already, with an advanced effective date.
Lol this is funny. I can picture him signing his extension and also tendering a blank trade request to be redeemed at a later date 😅
Westbrook’s agent is calling the Rockets’ FO as we read this.
Forgot about him lol ….. Westbrook and KD finally win a chip together …. Wow .. definitely happining. I see this happening today. Unreal the way the ball bounces in life ….
don’t know Rockets cap situation. But I sign both Brogdon and Westbrook …. Both minimum vets.
They can’t get Brogdon. And if the Knicks don’t sign Brogdon he pretty much mean his career is over. Basically it brogged in is still good and it’s not going to get injured. Why would the Knicks let him out of his contract? Hey brogdon gets injured or has taken too far to stop back. He won’t help the rockets anyway because he can’t play full-time minutes.
Westbrook’s career is pretty much over. I don’t understand why people don’t get that. He’s a third string guard now. And the reason why he’s not on any team is because he can’t be a player coach. How often say there’s nothing wrong with that if that’s not the role you want to take, but because he doesn’t want to take that role, he’s no longer an NBA player.
He doesn’t have a contract……. look it up. Take 5 mins to search it. I just posted the search. He has a non guaranteed training camp deal only. Non-guaranteed is the key.
Westbrook is younger than KD lol ….
You don’t listen. And you also spread misinformation in an almost boastful manner as you do so.
I just looked it up as well. Brogdon CANNOT leave his contract at any time. He would need to be released or agree to a buyout.
If he is not waived by the Knicks by January 10th, 2026, then the contract becomes guaranteed.
His current deal, which is currently non-guaranteed, is worth approximately $3.3M.
Anything else you would like to know before you go and spread more false information?
Durant literally ruined his legacy to get away from Westbrook lol.
You think Durant would have had ANY legacy if he hadn’t won those 2 Chips and 2 Finals MVPs with Golden State?
I’d say his legacy would be not much. Without ‘Chips and Finals MVP, you’re forgotten 20 years later.
Durant is currently in every NBA top 15. Steve Nash and Karl Malone have multiple MVP’s, but you won’t find them in anybody’s top 25 these days.
If KD hadn’t gone to GSW, he’d have joined Nash, Malone, Harden, Gervin, Westbrook, and Dominique on the list of names your kids will never hear.
KD is one greatest scorers ever. KD is 8th all time in scoring. He should pass Dirk and Wit this year. To move into 6th all time. Has the sixth highest scoring avg ever. Better than Brons. Real knowledge is knowing who the best were. Not who won the most chips. In the old days players didn’t chase chips. KD is a HOFer easily ……. That’s the biggest honor.
link to basketball-reference.com
Nah. No Chips, nobody remembers you.
Karl Malone was 2nd leading scorer of all-time. 2 MVP’s in the Jordan era. He won and he led and he never let his teammates down. 18 straight years in playoffs for a small-market team. Fiercest competitor in the league. I love KD but he couldn’t carry Malone’s j*ck str*p, sorry.
Today nobody outside the experts remembers Karl Malone. But they will remember KD because of the Chips.
No Chips, no
Kd is top 20 player of all time. Probably 16-18 on the list. As time goes on he will slip into the 20’s. Lebron has had the better career, no doubt. KD is a great scorer But I can’t put his team over the top. To me, him and LeBron are one of the same. LeBron going to Miami was the same thing as KD going to Golden State? There was no difference as in Dwyane. Wade is just like Curry finals, MVP and a top five player. And same thing when he went to Brooklyn as to when LeBron went to Cleveland. To me, both of their legacies take a hit because they jumped around and didn’t go through. The grinder actually went in championships and holding the NBA.
Now both of their careers are on the downturn just because both of them are scoring doesn’t mean they’re actually having impact and it’s why neither one of them have one in the last 4 or 5 years
You know who else is out there . Payton. Payton a guy who plays D can play with Sheppard. Rockets gotta be looking everywhere lols. Best way is sign two guys. I definitely sign Westbrook as onr. Then ser who is available in a trade. Rockets are one of favorites. They have to go for it.
Payton is only a D PG whose handles on the ball is average at best. westbrook is not a PG he can bring the points but he is like Payton not a true PG and assist leader. they have better options in house.
Yeah Westbrook just made up his triple doubles. Proving me wrong shouldn’t matter lol. Respect the game. I’m talking depth. There is no starting PG available now. Unless its a big trade. But doing it by numbers also works. Its called depth as a team. Westbrook knows KDs game better than anyone. Payton adds D help. Westbrook stats are solid for his mins. All about impacting winning. Doing it with depth is always a good way to go. I would sign Westbrook today lol.
Brogdon is a no-brainer but you need another PG also because he’s always hurt.
Story is that Jrue Holliday became available when Dame fell from the sky. Portland already had Scoot and Dame is back Mid-season. You can’t pay your back up PGs $50 million a year.
Rockets gotta do something or they are a play-in team
Thompson at the one. Can most definitely deal with the ball handling duties. KD and Segun can still create for themselves and others. Isn’t a PG in the league who wants this guy guarding them either. Although Amen will be guarding the best 1,2, or 3.
Amen is not an option at PG. Ime says so. Maybe with a few more years of experience but not now.
Amen is awesome defender and finisher but he’s still very shaky with the ball and he can’t make an open jumper. Defenses lay way off him when he’s not close to the basket.
Played the 1 plenty while at Houston. Have you watched them? Especially with this roster. Rockets still need a PG for depth and Sheppard was the no.3 pick, it’s time to play him some more. Lay off Thompson all you want, get down hill young man. It’s just ball handling duties then play off the ball. Where Thompson is fantastic with spacing and timing. Awesome slasher, crashes the boards etc. KD and Sengun are your play makers. I guarantee you Thompson plays the 1, alot.
So now it comes down to how much faith the Rockets have in their back up PGs Sheppard and okogie?? they could trade for Malik Monk sending player over to kings who can flip those player to GSW for Kuminga.
Not sure of the logistics or numbers but Monk is an intriguing name for them
Wow. What a blow. Looks like Shepard and Holiday have to step up. Unless they make a trade, those are their two options.
I wonder what Durant is thinking now. Is he committed to Houston? Fred is going to a year to recover. Does he sign an extension.
Why wouldn’t he be. Plenty of PG help out there. Holiday is a guy who has to help now. Imo they will sign Westbrook. They got all year to look for a trade.
We will see how Udoka handles this. Never dull huh.
They don’t have enough room under the 1st apron to sign Westbrook.
How badly does Durant want another a ring? Will the young players step up and fill the void. He’ll be 38 next season.
Exhibit 9 deals are not binding contracts for a player to stay on a team thru training camp. No team is going to stop a player from receiving a guaranteed deal.
An NBA Exhibit 9 deal is a non-guaranteed training camp contract that protects the team from significant financial liability if the player suffers a significant injury during the preseason. If a player on an Exhibit 9 contract gets injured, the team is only responsible for a one-time $15,000 payment, rather than the player’s full salary, before waiving them. These deals are for one-year, minimum-salary contracts, and teams can only sign up to six players to them at a time.
Key characteristics of Exhibit 9 deals:
Injury Protection:
The main purpose is to shield the team from paying a player’s entire salary if they get hurt during training camp or the preseason.
Limited Financial Exposure:
Instead of the full salary, the team only owes a $15,000 payment upon waiving the injured player.
Non-Guaranteed:
The player’s salary is not guaranteed if they make the regular-season roster.
Time-Limited:
The Exhibit 9 clause expires once the regular season begins, and the contract becomes a standard non-guaranteed deal.
Roster and Cap Considerations:
Contracts with Exhibit 9 language cannot be signed unless the team has at least 14 other players on its roster, and they do not count against the salary cap until the regular season starts.
Roster Depth:
These contracts provide a cost-effective way for teams to bring in players for training camp to compete for the final roster spots, or even just for a chance to earn a spot on the team.
WRONG!!!
Man, are you ignorant on this topic.
The Knicks have complete control over what happens with Malcolm Brogdon at the moment.
He either makes the team, or the Knicks release him before the start of the season.
Read my previous replies to you for further details on the situation.
Al we are agreeing to what you are saying. The only thing we’re not agreeing to is that as a player you can’t just leave unless cut. That’s what we’re saying. So there’s no way for the rockets to pick him up unless the Knicks drop him. And basically if the Knicks drop him there would be no point for the rockets to take him. His role is a lot less on the Knicks with his injury history. Plus I think he’s going to make the team as long as he’s healthy. Has a backup point guard. He makes sense. He is no longer a starter in the NBA any longer
Bummer
Sheppard is suppose to be the future. Was more a combo guard really. Needs a better handle. The guy can shoot lights out and is an IQ player. They need him now. Hopefully he is ready for real mins. He can give them at least 20 mins plus. They will be good. An opportunity for a trade can come during season. A Holiday is the one who has to step up now. You add Westbrook or Brogdon, Smith. You can cover PG with depth. Amen can also play some mins at PG. imo I sign Westbrook now. Then during season there could be a big trade for a PG.
JVV —— for Jrue …….