After weeks of speculation, Fred VanVleet agreed to a rich free-agent contract with the Houston Rockets on Friday night, ending his successful run with the Raptors.
The 29-year-old point guard from Rockford, Ill., carved a path to the NBA after going undrafted in 2016. Known for his mantra “Bet on yourself” after reportedly telling teams with late second-round picks not to draft him, VanVleet signed with the Raptors as a free agent and started his career with Toronto’s G League affiliate. He played a key role for Raptors 905 when they won the 2017 championship.