Fred VanVleet Targets Preseason Return; Hawks Eye Peyton Watson; Thunder Unfazed by LeBron Watch
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Houston guard Fred VanVleet expects to suit up when the Rockets open preseason play this fall. Speaking with Andscape’s Erik Horne, the veteran said his rehabilitation from a torn ACL and meniscus is progressing on schedule after forcing him to miss the entire 2025-26 campaign.
“I’ll be very disappointed if I’m not playing in the preseason,” VanVleet said, admitting the long layoff tested his patience while he watched Houston’s postseason run from the bench. “The playoffs were pretty hard. I was feeling good some days and then Game 1 or Game 2, and I was like, ‘Damn, I’m going to miss the whole season.’”
VanVleet, 32, added that months of rehab have rekindled his passion for basketball. “What I missed the most was the outlet. I really just love every aspect of the game,” he said, before expressing optimism about the Rockets’ prospects: “We can win a championship next year. But that’s internal.”
Hawks Exploring Options for Peyton Watson
The Atlanta Hawks remain interested in restricted free agent Peyton Watson, league sources told The Athletic’s Tony Jones. The Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Clippers are also monitoring the 23-year-old forward, but Atlanta lacks the cap space to sign him outright.
Jackson Caudell of Hawks on SI reported that a sign-and-trade appears to be Atlanta’s most realistic path, though the Denver Nuggets have repeatedly signaled they value Watson highly and believe they can keep him. Any deal, therefore, is expected to be difficult to complete.
Thunder Confident Regardless of LeBron’s Decision
While LeBron James’ impending free agency continues to draw national attention, the Oklahoma City Thunder do not see it as a major factor in their title defense, according to Ivan White of Thunder on SI. Whether James signs with an Eastern Conference contender such as Cleveland, Miami, or Philadelphia, or remains in the West, the defending 2025 champions believe their standing entering the 2026-27 season stays largely intact.
Source: Hoops Wire
