NBA free agency is a time during which young players have the opportunity to secure a bag after years of hard work and paying their dues.
On Friday, the first day of free agency this summer, a star point guard definitely secured the bag, and that in itself is a big deal.
Fred VanVleet is leaving the Toronto Raptors to join the Houston Rockets, and he will do so on a three-year contract reportedly worth $130 million.
That’s a huge pay day for a player who is good but not a true All-Star, let alone a superstar.
Free agent G Fred VanVleet has agreed to a three-year, $130 million contract with the Houston Rockets. @clutchsports CEO Rich Paul and agent Erika Ruiz told ESPN. The Rockets signed the former Raptors All-Star at the age of 29. pic.twitter.com/B6WwPmLYq1
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) 1 July 2023
People across the league are amazed at VanVelt’s new found wealth.
From untrained to $130 million. legend https://t.co/WCy7Sbgkia
– Flaming Hot Tex (@TheyAlreadyKnew) 1 July 2023
He went undrafted in 2016 after four solid but unpredictable years at Wichita State University, and as a freshman he played only 7.9 minutes per game and averaged only 2.9 points per game.
It wasn’t until his third season that he started to tap into his potential.
That year he averaged 11.0 points and 4.8 assists a game, and was a key contributor to the Raptors team that won the NBA championship that year.
This fan is happy that VanVleet is getting rich, but wants the guard to improve on a key aspect of his game.
I do not care. i love it Small but good keeper. The Rockets weren’t competing anyway. As they grow together, it becomes one solid piece. Makes them more competitive so they get better rep together. let’s go.
– Spud Koubidehjanian 🏀 (@spudbball) 1 July 2023
VanVleet made 37.7 percent of his 3-point attempts last season, but he’s down to 34.2 percent in that category this season.
Both of these fans clearly didn’t like the deal the Illinois native got from Houston.
Worst contract in sports history. Hey, God!
— Austin Zuck (@austinzuck_) 1 July 2023
nooooooooooooooooooooo
— Dani (@Danizeh) 1 July 2023
While the rebuilding Raptors are losing a key piece, the young Rockets are gaining someone who will make them more competitive.
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