Raptors trade rumors: 5 teams who could acquire Fred VanVleet

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TORONTO, ON – JANUARY 09: OG Anunoby #3 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles against Herbert Jones #5 of the New Orleans Pelicans (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) /

1. New Orleans Pelicans

The Pelicans have established themselves as a team that no one in the Western Conference wants to mess with. The big three of Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum, and Brandon Ingram are as lethal as it gets, especially when supported by role players like Jonas Valanciunas and Herbert Jones.

New Orleans is one of the deepest teams in the league, as players like Jose Alvarado and Trey Murphy III have sent Top 10 pick Dyson Daniels and top free agent Devonte’ Graham out of the rotation. That excess depth could be sold to Toronto in exchange for Fred VanVleet.

The Pelicans could compete if they trade for Fred VanVleet.

With the Anthony Davis trade still netting New Orleans a nice helping of first-round picks, this front office will likely have no qualms about paying VanVleet what he’s worth and compensating Toronto adequately. Meanwhile, New Orleans could become the Western favorite.

Toronto needs to always be mindful of getting as many picks and players as possible, as they don’t have the ability to will top free agents up north consistently. Knowing this, it will be very difficult for them to turn down a top offer from New Orleans in exchange for VanVleet.

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