Didn't you think that even Van Vliet could get an annual salary of more than 40 million?In the summer of 2023, when the rocket put a paper 3 years 1The 2.9 billion contract was handed to him, and many fans must be wondering, could it be that the general manager of the Rockets made the wrong decimal point?Although, he has a nickname called "Van Jordan" and has been in the All-Star Game once, but the peak is Van Vleet, who averages 20+4+7 per game, how can he get a salary similar to Curry?
Of course, if you look at VanVleet's average of 17 per game this season1 point 41 rebound 86 assists 11 steal, it doesn't seem to be so spicy eyes, but 393% shooting, as well as 37With a 2% three-point shooting rate, this seems to be a bit less efficient. If the price is clearly marked, then an annual salary of 30 million will be given. Obviously, the remaining 10 million, that's the premium part. With a premium of more than 30%, this contract is indeed a bit bad.
But you can't look at everything so simply. Why are the rockets so generous?
First, the team is in dire need of a master controller, and second, there is no better option. The Rockets had two good options at the time, Harden or VanVleet. Head coach Udoka weighed it and still recognized Van Vleet more. Harden is more famous, but it doesn't fit the Rockets' current hiring needs. In contrast, Van Vliet is more balanced in attack and defense, and his strength is not top-notch, but it will not hinder the growth of newcomers. You know, he's just a transitional player for the Rockets.
So obviously, 3 years 1The 2.9 billion contract is designed. The biggest design point is "3years". This is because the transition period given by the rocket is three years. Because in 2-3 years, the newcomers of the Rockets will start to get big contracts. For example, Shin Jing still has a two-year player option, and it is not surprising that the Rockets will renew his contract with a five-year maximum salary next summer. In the 2025-26 season, a new contract will be executed.
Jabari Smith and Tari Ethan, both rookies in 2022, will begin executing new contracts in 2026-27 if they can make it well.
VanVleet's contract expires in the 2025-26 season. The expiration contract of 44.88 million will become very attractive in the trading market. Even if it is not traded, then in the summer of 2026, the contract expires, and the contract space of the rocket is released. When the time comes, the corresponding reinforcement will be carried out around the core, and there will be room for operation.
How?Isn't it suddenly enlightened? The goal of the rocket is clearly locked in the longer future. Especially,Now Shin Kyung has shown the potential of a future top star, and if the two sides can successfully negotiate a contract extension, then the contract can be signed until the 2029-30 season at the longest, in other words, the Rockets will have cornerstone players in the next year.
Of course, it's not enough to have a single cornerstone, the rocket must have someone else who can play it. Looking at it now, Jabari still has a lot of star flavor on him. The recent succession of highlight-reel performances may make Udoka start to scrutinize him again. If you can still play an efficient performance after the team's status rises, then there will be a future number two.
In addition, Eason is likely to be an excellent lone defender on the Rockets' wing. Such players are often called by another name: championship puzzle pieces.
Now there is a lack of a reliable outside player. If Jalen Green can play, it's certainly the best. If it can't be played, then, with the team's attraction at that time, it shouldn't be too difficult to find a quasi-All-Star level guard.
Do you think that after 3 years, the Rockets have a chance to become a championship-level contender?