Fredderick Edmund VanVleet Sr., commonly known as Fred VanVleet, is a professional basketball player who has made a name for himself in the NBA through his determination and skill.
Below is a detailed breakdown of his personal life, career, and achievements.
Fred VanVleet’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Fredderick Edmund VanVleet Sr. |
| Nickname | Fred |
| Born | February 25, 1994, in Rockford, Illinois |
| Age | 30 years old |
| College | Wichita State University |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 feet (1.83 m) |
| Turned Pro | 2016 |
| Net Worth | Approximately $210 million |
| Salary | $42,846,615 |
| Fiancée | Engaged to Shontai Neal |
| Relationship Status | Engaged |
| Instagram Profile | @fredvanvleet |
Fred VanVleet is a family-oriented individual who has built a strong career while maintaining a close relationship with his fiancée, Shontai Neal.
Early Career
Fred VanVleet’s basketball journey began at Auburn High School in Rockford, Illinois.
As a senior in 2012, he led his team to the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) final four for the first time since 1975. His leadership and skills earned him All-State honors.
He continued his basketball career at Wichita State University from 2012 to 2016. During his college years, VanVleet became Wichita State’s all-time leader in assists and steals.
He played a pivotal role in the Shockers’ Final Four run in the 2012–13 season and their undefeated regular season in 2013–14.
Professional Career
Fred VanVleet went undrafted in the 2016 NBA Draft but signed with the Toronto Raptors during the Summer League.
Initially splitting time between the Raptors and their G League affiliate, Raptors 905, he quickly proved his worth by helping Raptors 905 win the G League Championship in 2017.
VanVleet rose to prominence during the Toronto Raptors’ historic championship run in the 2018–19 season.
Known for clutch performances, he played a pivotal role in securing the Raptors’ first NBA title. In subsequent years, he became one of the league’s top point guards, earning his first NBA All-Star selection in 2022.
In July 2023, VanVleet signed a 3-year contract worth $128.5 million with the Houston Rockets. As of the 2024–25 season, he remains one of the highest-paid players on the team.
Fiancée
Fred VanVleet is engaged to Shontai Neal, his long-time partner. The couple has 2 children together and often shares glimpses of their family life on social media.
Fred VanVleet’s Net Worth Details
Fred VanVleet’s net worth is estimated to be $210 million as of 2025. His wealth comes from his lucrative NBA contracts and endorsement deals.
With an annual salary exceeding $42 million from his current contract with the Houston Rockets, VanVleet’s financial success continues to grow.
Prize Money
| Season | Team | Salary Earned |
|---|---|---|
| 2016–17 | Toronto Raptors | $543,471 |
| 2017–18 | Toronto Raptors | $1,312,611 |
| 2018–19 | Toronto Raptors | $8,653,847 |
| 2019–20 | Toronto Raptors | $9,346,153 |
| 2020–21 | Toronto Raptors | $21,250,000 |
| 2021–22 | Toronto Raptors | $19,675,926 |
| 2022–23 | Toronto Raptors | $21,250,000 |
| 2023–24 | Houston Rockets | $40,806,300 |
| 2024–25 | Houston Rockets | $42,846,615 |
Endorsements
- Signed with sneaker brand AND1 in November 2019.
Career Stats
| Record/Stat | Details |
|---|---|
| Most Points in a Game | Scored 54 points for Toronto Raptors |
| Most Assists in a Game | Recorded 20 assists for Toronto Raptors |
| Opponent Highlight | Played key games against stars like Stephen Curry and Damian Lillard |
FAQs
1. Who is Fred VanVleet?
Fred VanVleet is an American NBA point guard born on February 25, 1994, known for his leadership, clutch shooting, and two-way play. He played with the Toronto Raptors for seven years before joining the Houston Rockets in 2023.
2. What are VanVleet’s career highlights and achievements?
VanVleet won an NBA championship with the Raptors in 2019, was named an NBA All-Star in 2022, and holds the Raptors’ single-game records for points (54) and assists (20). He is the first undrafted player to accomplish both feats for any NBA team.
3. How did VanVleet perform during the 2024-25 NBA season?
In 69 games, VanVleet averaged 14.1 points, 5.6 assists, and 3.7 rebounds while shooting 37.8% from the field and 34.5% from three-point range. He provided veteran leadership and floor spacing for a young Rockets roster.
4. What was VanVleet’s playoff and big-game impact?
VanVleet is recognized for his clutch playoff performances, most famously in the Raptors’ 2019 title run. He has delivered big games in Houston as well, including head-to-head battles with established superstars like Stephen Curry.
5. What is VanVleet’s playing style and what are his key strengths?
VanVleet plays as a cerebral floor general and tough on-ball defender. He is praised for his high basketball IQ, excellent pull-up shooting, passing vision, and for making winning decisions under pressure.
6. What is VanVleet’s contract status and recent injury news?
VanVleet signed a two-year, $50 million deal with Houston in 2025, but recently suffered a torn ACL that is expected to keep him out for most, if not all, of the 2025-26 season. His contract includes a team option for the second year.
7. How did VanVleet evolve from undrafted rookie to NBA star?
After going undrafted in 2016, VanVleet bet on himself and earned a Raptors roster spot. His development as a defender, shooter, and playmaker led to a starting role and international recognition.
8. What NBA records and milestones has VanVleet set?
VanVleet is the Raptors’ all-time leader in single-game assists and points, the only undrafted player to hit 54 points in an NBA game, and he holds the longest streak for made three-pointers in consecutive games in Raptors history.
9. What is VanVleet’s reputation among teammates and fans?
VanVleet is admired for his professionalism, resilience, basketball intelligence, and team-first attitude. He is valued by coaches and teammates for his accountability, locker-room leadership, and ability to rally young players.
10. What can be expected from VanVleet in the future?
Once recovered from injury, VanVleet is expected to continue as a valuable mentor and floor general, especially as Houston’s young core grows. He could transition into a lead playmaker or secondary starter as his career progresses.
