Raptors: 5 best moves Bobby Webster has made as GM in Toronto

Toronto Raptors GM Bobby Webster move No. 4: Re-Signing Fred VanVleet

So much of VanVleet’s identity is forged by his “Bet On Yourself” credo. That mentality drove his two-year, $18 million contract extension in 2018, enabling him to cash in big two years later with a four-year, $85 million deal.

For the Raptors, meanwhile, that bridge deal couldn’t have gone any better. Over those two years, VanVleet doubled his scoring and assist numbers while going from valued reserve to key starter and even earning a 2019 Finals MVP vote. His performance against the Golden State Warriors alone validated his contract.

While $85 million is a lot of money to throw at a limited athlete like Fred, it’s hard to take issue with any of the steps that Webster and the rest of the organization have taken with VanVleet, especially considering how well he’s played since his big payday.

VanVleet looks poised to top 20 points per game this season while competing for an All-Star spot. Recently, during a win against the Orlando Magic, VanVleet set a new Raptors record when he dropped 54 points in a game. With or without an All-Star nod, the VanVleet deal is another feather in Webster’s cap.