Fred VanVleet reveals 'tough' process to choose Rockets over Raptors in free agency: 'My stomach was in knots'

Gilbert McGregor

Fred VanVleet reveals 'tough' process to choose Rockets over Raptors in free agency: 'My stomach was in knots' image

After seven seasons in Toronto, Fred VanVleet is officially a member of the Rockets. As difficult of a new reality it may be for Raptors fans to come to terms with, it was apparently just as difficult of a decision for VanVleet.

During a recent appearance on "The Pivot Podcast," VanVleet let hosts Ryan Clark, Channing Crowder and Fred Taylor in on the process that led to his signing with Houston. According to VanVleet, it was not an easy one at all.

"No, not at all," said VanVleet, when asked if he entered free agency knowing that he would move on from the Raptors. "Obviously, I signed two years ago, they offered me an extension at the beginning of the (2022-23) season, I decided not to take the extension to enter free agency and kind of see what the market was.

"I never even really thought about leaving until probably like a week ago. It just happened that way."

The 2022-23 season was something of a disappointment for Toronto, which went 41-41, finished ninth in the East standings and came up short in its lone Play-In Tournament game. Coming into free agency, that was all that was on VanVleet's mind.

"I was just so invested in trying to figure out how we can bounce back from the year that we just had — that's all I was thinking about," the 29-year-old said. "But free agent things go as they go and I had to start thinking about some other options and that's when Houston came around."

MORE: Fred VanVleet addresses rumors of discontent in Raptors' locker room

According to multiple reports, the Rockets' offer to VanVleet is a three-year deal in the range of $130 million. And while he did have meetings with Raptors brass, VanVleet indicated that there was somewhat of a disconnect on contract value.

"You always have your own perspective on what you think your value is and, so, just throughout those conversations and where we started at and how it was going, then you look at it and say 'that's not matching up with what I think' or 'why do they have my value at what they have it at?' and let's look at the total picture."

While the money from Houston ultimately proved to play a role, the offers didn't appear to be far enough apart to where the decision was a no-brainer.  VanVleet himself admitted he had a very difficult time choosing between his two options.

MORE: Fred VanVleet pens emotional farewell to Toronto, Canada and the Raptors

"I just think it was time for a change in scenery for everybody," said VanVleet. "Ultimately, we weren't able to keep going but on the other end, I had a great offer on the table while I'm still talking to (the Raptors), so now you put them together and you weigh them out and it was really, really, really tough — my stomach was in knots trying to figure it out because it was no wrong choice.

"Those are the hardest choices to make — when there's no wrong way to go. I could've went back for whatever the deal was or I could go start something new, and ultimately I just chose a new setup."

If Houston's announcement didn't make the deal feel official enough, look no further than VanVleet sitting courtside at the Las Vegas Summer League with head coach Ime Udoka and general manager Rafael Stone.

Just as it will take some time for fans to get used to the new reality, it will likely take some time for VanVleet as well.

Gilbert McGregor

Gilbert McGregor Photo

Gilbert McGregor first joined The Sporting News in 2018 as a content producer for Global editions of NBA.com. Before covering the game, McGregor played basketball collegiately at Wake Forest, graduating with a Communication degree in 2016. McGregor began covering the NBA during the 2017-18 season and has been on hand for a number of league events.