The Toronto Raptors are not a team that looks like they are going to contend for a championship this season, and their prospects for next campaign are looking shaky. With some big financial decisions to make, trading Fred VanVleet might be knocking around Masai Ujiri and Bobby Webster’s brains.
While VanVleet has largely overcome the pitiful performances he was putting in during the beginning stages of the season, his overall body of work is slightly disappointing when you consider that he was an All-Star last year. His efficiency is just not there right now.
VanVleet has a player option at the end of this season that will likely be declined. Considering that he is going to be 30 soon and lacks a physical frame that could age well in the future, the Raptors may be better off building around Pascal Siakam and getting a haul back for VanVleet.
These five teams are looking to either build a winner this season to give themselves a solid foundation in the future with VanVleet at the center. Given the ridiculous trade market that could help the Raptors get multiple picks back, Toronto can get an absolute king’s ransom in return.
Toronto Raptors rumors: 5 teams who could trade for Fred VanVleet.
5. Miami Heat
No set of star trade rumors is complete without the Heat being mentioned as a potential landing spot. With some very tempered rumors emerged that hinted at a potential Kyle Lowry deal, the Heat might be looking to make some significant upgrades to their roster.
The Raptors might be able to exploit the sense of pure desperation coming from Miami. Pat Riley wants to get another ring on his hands, and this roster is starting to get very long in the tooth. Even without moving Lowry, the Heat might be able to give Toronto a nice collection of picks and players.
The Heat could give the Toronto Raptors a ton for Fred VanVleet.
The Heat are also struggling to consistently win games this season, though they almost assuredly entered the season with higher expectations than what Toronto had. Perhaps in need of a way to jump start their roster, the Heat could try to mortgage their future and acquire VanVleet.
Jimmy Butler is not going to perform at this level forever, and Bam Adebayo doesn’t seem like the type of player who can be a primary scoring option on a contender. If Lowry breaks down sooner than Miami expects, they could easily part with whatever draft capital remains to sign VanVleet.