Top 3 trade assets Raptors could utilize to quickly improve roster
By Mike Luciano
2. Fred VanVleet
VanVleet, much like Gary Trent Jr, has a player option that could be refused at the end of the season. The Raptors are likely far away from pressing the trade button on one of the best players in franchise history, but the idea of getting younger and deeper at the expense of VanVleet might be appealing for Ujiri.
VanVleet is regressing this season, as he is shooting 38% from the field and went through nearly a month of consecutive games in which he failed to hit 40% of his shots. A smaller player who is going to turn 30 soon and demand a new contract worth close to nine figures, VanVleet may not fit the timeline.
The Toronto Raptors could get a ton for Fred VanVleet in a trade.
If he does get moved, he will still have plenty of suitors. Toronto could get quite a nice return for him. He’s still a quality defender, can man both guard spots on offense, and is a terrific 3-point shooter when he gets on a hot streak. It’s easy to forget he was an All-Star less than 12 months ago.
A young team in need of a veteran maypole they can build around could find value in trying to bring VanVleet into the fold, but a contender who wants extra shooting will likely play a premium price in order to secure him for the next few seasons. Expect his name to continue being mentioned in both selling and buying conversations.