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.
4. Minnesota Timberwolves
Due to the Rudy Gobert trade robbing Minnesota of all their draft picks, the Wolves are now committed to building a winner. While D’Angelo Russell is a member of the team’s core right now, alongside Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards, that plan could change quickly.
While the Wolves might not be able to offer draft picks, they could be able to create a Russell for VanVleet swap that throws some other role players into the deal. Both players have expiring contracts, but both players might be better fits with their respective new systems.
Will the Timberwolves take Fred VanVleet from the Toronto Raptors?
Toronto needs a young bucket-getter with height and passing skill that won’t cost nine figures in his next contract, while Minnesota needs a veteran leader who can stroke it from deep while still managing to defer to Edwards. Perhaps Ujiri will see a kindred spirit in Minnesota.
With Minnesota being coached by a former Raptors assistant in Chris Finch that already has an impressive record of getting production from his ball-dominant guards, that situation might appeal to VanVleet. Even if it takes a third team, this trade possibility shouldn’t be abandoned.
3. Orlando Magic
The Magic were mentioned by Bleacher Report as a team who could find themselves in the VanVleet business if the Raptors are receptive to offers. With Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner giving the Magic a solid young core, they could seek out a viable veteran that ties everything together.
The Magic have promising young players like Mo Bamba and Cole Anthony that currently have paths to long-term starting roles blocked off by Carter and Jalen Suggs. The Raptors might solve their depth issue and avoid giving him a nine-figure deal while VanVleet could help the Magic turn things around.
The Magic need a leader like Toronto Raptors PG Fred VanVleet.
Orlando has enough talent to finally break the tanking cycle and establish itself as a team that can make some noise in the uneven east. What better way to do that than by parting with two promising young players and one of their many first-round picks to acquire and pay VanVleet?
While some might see it as disrespectful to send VanVleet to a team like the Magic after his years of service, few teams in the league have this treasure trove of assets. If Ujiri just wants to maximize his return, as should be the intended goal, VanVleet may need to buy a few more pairs of sunglasses.
2. Chicago Bulls
The Bulls appear to be on the verge of starting over, as their current lineup with DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine at the center of everything appears to have hit their ceiling. With both of these stars still in their prime, trade rumors surrounding both of them are starting to fly.
While DeRozan might be a better short-term fit for the Raptors that could cost less, Toronto adding LaVine to the mix might take them over the top. If they are considering the latter, VanVleet will assuredly lead the package that Chicago will likely ask from Masai Ujiri.
The Bulls and Raptors may discuss a Fred VanVleet trade.
A Rockford native who very clearly is eyeing a championship, VanVleet might be able to get a nice payday for a team that is very clearly willing to spend money in order to remain a viable playoff squad. Making this move also ensures that Toronto will be right there with them.
Nick Nurse would likely prefer to keep VanVleet as long as possible, but the finances might not make it possible. The Raptors will likely retool instead of rebuild if a trade comes to fruition, and dealing with the Bulls can make that wish come true.
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.