In confirmation of expected news, veteran guards Fred VanVleet and JD Davison will both be on the Houston Rockets’ salary books when the 2026-27 NBA fiscal year opens in July.
VanVleet had a player option for the 2026-27 season at $25 million, and he exercised that after missing all of 2025-26 with a torn ACL in his right knee.
By delaying his free agency until 2027, the 32-year-old will hit the market with less injury uncertainty. Assuming health, VanVleet projects to be Houston’s starting point guard when the 2026-27 campaign begins in October.
In contrast to 2025-26, VanVleet’s contract will not include an implied no-trade clause for the 2026-27 season.
Meanwhile, the Rockets exercised the $2.6-million team option on Davison, who played sparingly as a reserve last season. That contract will not become fully guaranteed until Jan. 10, 2027.
Finally, Rockets reserve Tari Eason received an $8.0-million qualifying offer for next season, per Kelly Iko of Yahoo! Sports. The qualifying offer will make the 25-year-old a restricted free agent, which inherently gives Houston the ability to match any outside offer and still retain his services.
External free agency negotiations can begin across the NBA at 5:00 p.m. Central on Tuesday, June 30.
This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Rockets news: Fred VanVleet, JD Davison options exercised for 2026-27
Reporting by Ben DuBose, Rockets Wire / Rockets Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Ben DuBose, Rockets Wire | USA TODAY Network
