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Toronto Raptors: What are the chances Fred VanVleet leaves this summer?

By Mark Birdsell

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 12: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors in action against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on February 12, 2020 in New York City.Brooklyn Nets defeated the Toronto Raptors 101-91. 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 Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 12: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors in action against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on February 12, 2020 in New York City.Brooklyn Nets defeated the Toronto Raptors 101-91. 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 Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /

New York Knicks

The New York Knicks are in a constant state of disarray. The team hasn’t made the playoffs since the 2012-13 season. They have reached the post-season five times in the last 20 years. Also, the Knicks have only made it out of the first-round once during that time.

Despite this and the constant interference of James Dolan, the future looks bright for New York.

The Knicks just hired Leon Rose as the team’s new President of Basketball Operations. They have two strong young building blocks on their roster in RJ Barrett and Mitchell Robinson. The Knicks have all of their future first-round picks. Plus they own the Mavericks’ picks in 2021 and 2023 due to the Kristaps Porzingis trade.

In addition to all their assets, the Knicks project to have significant salary-cap flexibility moving forward. This past summer, the Knicks signed every available power forward, which wasn’t smart. But what was smart was making the second year of most contracts a team option or only partially guaranteed.

The Knicks only have about $44 million currently on the books for the 2021-22 season. They have the ability to add a piece this summer and still have enough room to go big game hunting in 2021.

With that being said, we have been here before. The Knicks missed out on LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in 2010. They missed out on Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Kawhi Leonard this past summer. It’s very possible history will repeat itself next summer.

If we have learned anything in this era of player empowerment, it is that star players value stability. It’s not just about the money. They want to sign with a well-run organization that is capable of building a championship contender.  This is something the Knicks have not been for a very long time.

But just because the Knicks are unlikely to land Giannis Antetokounmpo next summer, that doesn’t mean every available player is going to turn down their money. A lot of players are drawn to the bright lights of New York City. They want to play in Madison Square Garden, the so-called Mecca of basketball.

At the top of the Knicks’ priority list should be a new starting point guard. LaMelo Ball has expressed a desire to play for the Knicks. But if he isn’t available come draft time, the Knicks could turn their focus to free agency.

The Knicks have three point guards under contract for next season in Elfrid Payton, Dennis Smith Jr., and Frank Ntilikina. Payton looks better suited as a backup. Smith and Ntilikina are still raw. None of them appear to be the long-term answer.

VanVleet would provide the Knicks with a steady hand to come in and lead this team. He is a true floor general. VanVleet controls the game very well and could help in the growth and development of the Knicks’ young players. Also, VanVleet is still young enough to fit the timeline of Barrett and Robinson. He provides the best of both worlds.