Toronto Raptors dream offseason: A 4-step plan for success

4. Extend Fred VanVleet.

The Raptors need to get this deal done as quickly as possible, even if there isn’t a sense of urgency from VanVleet. Toronto’s star point guard seems to believe that he’ll get a deal done and remain in Canada for the rest of his pro career. The Raptors need to take him up on this offer.

VanVleet can earn a three-year, $89 million contract or a four-year, $114 million deal if he decides to opt out of his player option. While Pascal Siakam and Scottie Barnes are indispensable to Toronto’s cause, VanVleet is a leader who deserves to be compensated as such.

Fred VanVleet is exceedingly important for the Toronto Raptors.

VanVleet is indispensable for the Raptors, as his blend of elite defense, quality shooting, and improved scoring is something that Toronto needs to lock up for the next half-decade. $89 million sounds like a lot, but it’s actually a bargain for a player of his caliber.

The Raptors will eventually need to extend Pascal Siakam and Scottie Barnes, but there is still a path to retaining those two and giving VanVleet a contract approaching nine figures. VanVleet himself said he wants to be back, so let’s get this deal done!