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Rockets’ Fred VanVleet Tears ACL, Likely to Miss Most of 2025–26

With the first‑apron hard cap limiting moves, Houston will open camp leaning on Reed Sheppard, Amen Thompson and Aaron Holiday at point guard.

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 26: Fred VanVleet #5 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball against the Golden State Warriors in Game Three of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Chase Center on April 26, 2025 in San Francisco, California.
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Apr 28, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (5) gestures after scoring a basket against the Golden State Warriors during the fourth quarter of game four of the 2025 NBA Playoffs first round at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images/File photo

Overview

  • ESPN’s Shams Charania first reported the torn ACL on Sept. 22, and multiple outlets have since corroborated the injury.
  • The injury occurred during a team minicamp scrimmage in the Bahamas; VanVleet has returned to Houston and is expected to have surgery later this week.
  • Houston sits about $1.25 million below the first‑apron hard cap, leaving an open roster spot but little ability to sign outside help right now.
  • The Rockets can apply for a disabled player exception, yet apron constraints and trade rules keep many recent signees ineligible to be moved until mid‑December.
  • VanVleet, who reworked his deal to two years and $50 million this summer, leaves a leadership and on‑ball void as the Rockets recalibrate title plans after acquiring Kevin Durant.