Grading the 11 biggest headline-grabbing day 1 NBA Free Agency signings

Fred VanVleet, Houston Rockets

The contract: 3 years, $130 million

For the past couple of months, all we heard regarding the Houston Rockets was that they were going to make a bold and big splash during the offseason. When they didn’t trade the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, many were left to question if they were going to move forward with their bold offseason move or not.

Hours into the NBA Free Agency period, we found our answer. Not only did the Rockets make a big splash but they made (at least thus far), the biggest move of free agency. Fred VanVleet is now a Rocket after agreeing to a huge three-year, $130 million deal.

To be completely honest, I’m not a fan of the Rockets going all-in on a point guard that is coming off one of the worst seasons of his career. And not only that but to pay him max money – the only player thus far in free agency to get a max contract. Maybe this is a move that ends up paying off for the Rockets, but this seems like one of those overpays that won’t end well. Perhaps the only silver lining is the fact that it’s only a three-year deal.

Grade: C