Beloved Rockets veteran is not going anywhere despite surging rumors

Almost any 2025-26 Houston Rockets trade suggestion involves Fred VanVleet. It's time for everyone to accept that he's not going anywhere, but it seems Bleacher Report hasn't accepted it yet.

They just published a list naming every player's most likely trade candidate. VanVleet was named for the Rockets.

The article should have named someone else.

The Rockets are highly unlikely to move veteran point guard

Firstly, VanVleet has an implied no-trade clause. Convincing the president of the Players' Association to waive a protection that's built into his contract feels like a long shot. It would be a substantial blow to player relations.

Moreover, VanVleet is the soul of this team. He is seemingly Ime Udoka's closest confidante. He has value to this organization that extends beyond the floor.

Is that to say VanVleet couldn't be moved? Not quite. If the Rockets wanted to go all-in on Giannis Antetokounmpo, perhaps they'd explore possibilities. They could make life awkward for VanVleet by applying pressure. It would hurt, but it might not be worth holding up a franchise-altering move if the organization thinks it's the right decision.

That said, don't look for Houston to flip VanVleet for a quick fix. They'll prefer to develop Reed Sheppard and Amen Thompson at the 1 rather than going after a point guard for the season. Do not expect Darius Garland or Malik Monk (random examples) to walk through that door.

The cons would outweigh the pros, given that the Rockets are performing well, and VanVleet is due back next season. Still, Bleacher Report tasked itself with naming a player for every team.

Was there a better option for the Rockets?

Young Rockets wing a better candidate to be moved

Frankly, yes - but it may not be the answer fans want to hear. It's Tari Eason.

Moving Eason would be painful. He's a fan favorite. Eason's ability to do the dirty work at an elite level has tremendous value. Moreover, the young wing was shooting 50.9% from three-point range before he got injured.

Yet, he did get injured. He also got injured last year, and the year before. Eason seems injury-prone, and that's likely to factor into his contract negotiations this summer.

None of which is to say the Rockets should move Eason. He's a keeper. That said, his durability concerns and pending contract situation make him the team's most likely trade candidate.

VanVleet is likely to be in Rockets' red for some time.