The Houston Rockets are expected to exercise veteran guard Fred VanVleet’s $45 million contract option, following their Game 7 playoff loss to the Golden State Warriors on Sunday, according to Marc Stein of The Stein Line.

Still, though, VanVleet has clear value as the experienced leader and floor general for a young and developing team that finished the regular season at 52-30 and No. 2 in the West

Fred VanVleet isn't just Houston's starting point guard for the last two seasons. He is the team's unquestioned leader, a playmaker on the floor, and a focused, steady presence in the locker room and on the road. While VanVleet's metrics leave much to be desired, his intangibles are unmatched.