Why Rockets Signed (and Overpaid) for Fred VanVleet

The Houston Rockets are emptying their wallets for Fred VanVleet, making him their premier free agent signee.

VanVleet, 29, signed a three-year, $130 million contract with the Rockets hours after the start of free agency. The deal surpassed Kyrie Irving's three-year, $126 million contract with the Dallas Mavericks, which was signed shortly before VanVleet's max deal.

VanVleet's numbers on the box score aren't as strong as Irving's, but the Rockets are getting more than just a stat sheet when signing the former champion and All-Star.

In the latest episode of the "Kiss of Death Podcast," I gave my immediate reactions to the VanVleet deal and explained why it makes sense for the Rockets.

VanVleet is set to be the team's veteran point guard it has desperately needed since trading away James Harden over two years ago. VanVleet is the type of player that not only provides a strong offensive game for himself, but can also help the players around him.

A major problem for the Rockets in their rebuild has been the turnover rate. Houston was tied for last along with the Golden State Warriors in turnovers last season. The Raptors, led by VanVleet, had the fewest turnovers in the league. That should go a long way for the Rockets.

On top of that, he provides a strong complement for Jalen Green and can allow him to be the pure scorer he was meant to be when he was taken with the No. 2 pick in the 2021 draft. For the first time in his career, Green has a true point guard that can set him up for success.

This also benefits Jabari Smith Jr., another player who did not benefit from the poor spacing in the offense last year. With VanVleet setting him up, there's more opportunities for more open looks compared to his rookie season.

This signing isn't exactly a slam dunk on paper for Amen Thompson, the team's No. 4 overall pick from last month's draft. Adding VanVleet likely means Thompson won't be a starter immediately out of the gates. However, Thompson can ingratiate into the game smoothly and run the second unit until VanVleet's contract ends. That being said, it won't mean Thompson will be sidelined.

"Although he’s best suited as a playmaking point guard, he has the size to slide up and play off-ball wing," SI writes. "Furthermore, reps at alternative positions could pay off in the long run. In the modern NBA, how often is there really just one true point guard on the floor. Now and likely even more in the future, being able to play alongside other guards will be a necessity for Thompson. At the same time, he can learn from VanVleet both on and off the court."

By the time VanVleet's contract expires, Thompson will still only be 23 and likely in a better position to take over the reigns as the point guard of the future.

Every deal has its pros and cons, and while the biggest negatives come with Thompson's reps likely taking a dip and perhaps paying a bit too much for VanVleet, this deal is ultimately a net positive for the Rockets.

You can follow Jeremy Brener on Twitter @JeremyBrener.

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