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Toronto Raptors: Five candidates to steal Fred VanVleet this free agency

By Mike Bossetti

Toronto Raptors - Fred VanVleet (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
Toronto Raptors - Fred VanVleet (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, IL – FEBRUARY 14: Kris Dunn #32 of the Chicago Bulls moves against Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors at the United Center on February 14, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – FEBRUARY 14: Kris Dunn #32 of the Chicago Bulls moves against Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors at the United Center on February 14, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

Chicago Bulls

Like the Sacramento Kings, the Chicago Bulls also have a defensive-minded point guard penciled into their starting spot next season. After a wildly disappointing rookie season, Kris Dunn found his footing in Chicago last year. Dunn averaged 13 points and six assists per game last season, in an offense that made production hard for everyone.

Not quite as talented as Fox, Dunn could potentially lose a large share of minutes to VanVleet, if not the starter role. Fortunately for Dunn, he also serves as a better pairing next to FVV. 6’4″ with a 6’9″ wingspan, Dunn has the ability to matchup with either backcourt position defensively. He is long, quick, and strong as an ox.

Offensively the two could make for an explosive pairing, providing a surplus of ball-handling to Fred Hoidberg offense that is reliant on pace-and-space.

If VanVleet is offered by Chicago, his role is not immediately clear, with Zach Lavine entering restricted free-agency. Lavine offers much more potential than FVV, but will also come at a higher cost, despite playing significantly worse last season.

Whether it is as a backcourt mate, or a “super sixth-man” role as a third guard, VanVleet represents an interesting option for Chicago.