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

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PHOENIX, AZ – DECEMBER 13: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors moves the ball upcourt ahead of Greg Monroe #14 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on December 13, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Phoenix Suns

When the Phoenix suns elected to draft DeAndre Ayton ahead of lead ball-handler Luka Doncic, they immediately became a threat for any available point guard. With Devin Booker, Mikal Bridges, Josh Jackson, and Ayton manning the other positions, the Suns are a point guard away from having one of the best young cores in the NBA.

With whispers already surrounding a potential FVV, Suns pairing, its easy to see how the Suns could go all-in on the young point guard. Fred VanVleet serves as an interesting contrast next to Devin Booker and would allow the Suns to begin next season with a somewhat competitive starting five that has at most three years of experience. Pairing VanVleet next to Booker would allow the young Suns core to grow and develop as a team.

Style-wise VanVleet is a great pair next to Booker. He gives relentless effort on defense and will be willing to pester opposing point guards, while Booker focuses on the other side of the ball. He also gives the team an elite shooter at the point guard position, preventing defenses from solely focusing on Booker.

With a large amount of cap-space available and few team needs, if the Suns do decide to pursue VanVleet it could spell trouble for Toronto.

Next: One hypothetical Raptors' trade for every Eastern Conference team

Of course, there is always the possibility of an unexpected team offering FVV a huge contract, but as of now, Toronto should fear these five teams the most.