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.