Fred VanVleet signs $85 million extension with the Houston Rockets, not the Washington Wizards

Houston Rockets boast a deep roster after signing free agent Fred VanVleet

The Houston Rockets have agreed to a three-year, $85 million contract with free agent guard Fred VanVleet, his agent, Mike Wallace, told ESPN on Tuesday. VanVleet, who spent the first seven seasons of his career with the Toronto Raptors, was one of the most sought-after free agents on the market this summer.

The Rockets were one of several teams that were interested in signing VanVleet, but they were able to land him by offering him a more lucrative contract than the other teams that were in the running.

The addition of VanVleet gives the Rockets a much-needed boost in the backcourt. He is a proven scorer and playmaker who can also defend at a high level. He should help the Rockets compete for a playoff spot in the Western Conference next season.

Fred VanVleet explains why he chose the Houston Rockets over the Washington Wizards

Fred VanVleet said he chose the Houston Rockets over the Washington Wizards because he believes the Rockets have a better chance of winning a championship.

"I think the Rockets have a really good team," VanVleet said. "They have a lot of young talent, and they're building something special. I'm excited to be a part of it."

VanVleet also said he was impressed by the Rockets' coaching staff, led by Stephen Silas.

"I think Coach Silas is a great coach," VanVleet said. "He's a players' coach, and he knows how to get the best out of his players."

Ime Udoka suspended for entire 2022-23 season by the Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics have suspended head coach Ime Udoka for the entire 2022-23 season for violations of team policies, the team announced on Thursday.

The Celtics did not provide any details about the specific violations that Udoka committed.

Udoka led the Celtics to the NBA Finals in his first season as head coach last year. He was considered one of the top young coaches in the league.

Jock Landale signs two-year deal with the Phoenix Suns

Free agent center Jock Landale has agreed to a two-year, $8.5 million deal with the Phoenix Suns, his agent, Daniel Moldovan, told ESPN on Tuesday.

Landale spent last season with the San Antonio Spurs, where he averaged 4.9 points and 4.0 rebounds per game.

The Suns are hoping that Landale can provide them with some depth in the frontcourt. He is a solid rebounder and defender who can also stretch the floor with his shooting.