Rockets' salary sheet explains third year in Fred VanVleet contract

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 07: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors brings the ball up court during the first quarter of the game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on April 07, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images)It's rather simple to see why the Rockets needed to extend to a third year in order to secure VanVleet, a player who is both a massive upgrade for Houston while also standing as a noted tier or two below the game's truly elite point guards. The Raptors reportedly made a late push to keep VanVleet in his only NBA home to date, but ultimately, Houston's cap space—and willingness to spend it—won out.

So, will Houston's summer splurge be…