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Toronto Raptors: Who can replace VanVleet if he signs elsewhere?

ByJeremy Wilks|
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 12: Goran Dragic #7 of the Miami Heat sets up the play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter at Visa Athletic Center at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 12, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 12: Goran Dragic #7 of the Miami Heat sets up the play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter at Visa Athletic Center at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 12, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

As much as the Toronto Raptors would love to keep Fred VanVleet next season, we must come to the realization that there is a possibility that the signs elsewhere.

If you take a look at the Toronto Raptors roster, it is evident that they are in a very good position to compete for many years. They are in that comfortable position where they have good enough players to compete now and also young enough to continue to build for the future.

Here are two free agents that the Raptors can try to sign if Fred VanVleet leaves:

1. Goran Dragić

If you watched the Miami Heat play throughout the bubble, you saw how important Goran Dragić is for a contending team. Not only can Dragic score consistently, but he is also a great floor general with an incredibly high basketball IQ.

At age 34, Dragic continues to improve his game as his numbers have gotten significantly better throughout his career. However, this past season, Dragic averaged an exceptional 16.2 points per game (PPG) and 5.1 assists per game (APG) while only playing 28 minutes per game (MPG).

Although VanVleet is significantly younger than Dragic, there is no doubt that Dragic would be a great replacement if the Raptors can sign him to a cheap, short-term deal.

2. Jeff Teague

There is undoubtedly a massive drop off in the caliber of free agent point guards after VanVleet and Dragic. However, if the Raptors are looking for a reliable veteran who also has a high basketball IQ, then Jeff Teague would be a good option.

At age 32, Teague has plenty of playoff experience and has even played some of the best basketball of his career when the playoffs arrive. Teague is coming off a solid season where he averaged 10.9 PPG and 5.2 APG in only 21 MPG. If the Raptors are unable to re-sign VanVleet, then signing Teague could be a great signing, especially because it will be at a significantly lower price.

Overall, Fred VanVleet has been a spectacular player for the Raptors since they signed the undrafted free agent in 2016. With teams such as the Detroit Pistons and New York Knicks reportedly showing interest in the top free-agent guard, it is time to start thinking about the possibility of him leaving. These two guards listed above are players that can come into a contending team like the Raptors and help them once again compete for a title in 2021.

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