1. Fred VanVleet in Florida?
The Pincus report also mentioned the possibility of VanVleet coming up in trade talks. Pincus himself believed that the Orlando Magic could be interested in trading a guard and center in order to get an established veteran that can supercharge the team’s rebuild effort.
This deal is not only unlikely; it’s improbable. The Magic are still years away from being a force in the East and have established one of the league’s more interesting young frontcourts thanks to Wendell Carter Jr. and ROY frontrunner Paolo Banchero. Why would they take the ball out of their hands and lean on a smaller, aging PG?
Will the Toronto Raptors trade Fred VanVleet?
With VanVleet playing his worst offensive basketball in years, the Raptors may have a hard time selling him as a trade. An aging player without showstopping athletic ability in need of a new contract that may approach or exceed nine figures isn’t as desirable as it sounds.
If a VanVleet trade happens, he will likely be the headliner in a trade package for a star or going to another contender willing to give him a new contract. Sending him to a rehabilitation project in Orlando might be what Magic fans want, but it doesn’t make logical sense.
Verdict: Sell