3 key reasons Raptors need to extend Fred VanVleet ASAP
By Mike Luciano
2. His price will only go up.
A star point guard is arguably the most valuable asset in the NBA, and VanVleet helped the Raptors hold on to their master offensive conductor after the departure of Kyle Lowry. Signing him for just under $30 million per season could end up becoming a bargain for Toronto.
The average annual value for VanVleet on both a three-year and four-year contract is below a max contract. Considering how every All-Star level guard (and even some who aren’t All-Star performers) is getting maxed out, an extension close to three years and $89 million would be an absolute steal of a deal.
Fred VanVleet could get expensive if the Toronto Raptors hesitate.
D’Angelo Russell, De’Aaron Fox, and Ben Simmons are a few of the names that would make more than the $29.3 million AAV being discussed on a 3-year deal for VanVleet. If they wait one more year, and VanVleet makes another All-Star team, he will ask for (and deserve) something in that range.
The Raptors need to make sure that Siakam, Barnes, and Gary Trent Jr. all get taken care of with more significant extensions. VanVleet getting even pricier can put that plan in jeopardy. An extension now at the prices being thrown around is better for the long-term health of this franchise.