The Toronto Raptors are currently outside the postseason picture, making it more likely that they will be sellers at the trade deadline. Fred VanVleet is a club icon, but the idea of trading him away and retooling the roster has gained steam in recent weeks due to his contract.
VanVleet, who is making just 38% of his shots and has now picked up his second noteworthy injury of the season, can opt out of the final year of his contract and become a free agent. Given his age, size, and injury history, Toronto isn’t crazy to have some hesitancy about paying him like an All-Star guard.
The Orlando Magic are in a spot where they can finally stop trying to tank for high draft picks and look to compete for a postseason spot. VanVleet coming to their backcourt and inking a new nine-figure deal that Toronto might not be as willing to pay could help all parties involved.
The Raptors will likely extend Pascal Siakam and build around Scottie Barnes, so the best course of action will be surrounding that trio with a collection of role players that can allow the stars to shine while keeping the team competitive. Orlando might have enough assets to entice Ujiri and this front office.
https://twitter.com/BleacherReport/status/1605758615691751425
This Toronto Raptors-Orlando Magic trade moves Fred VanVleet.
Orlando needs a proven veteran backcourt scorer that can supplement young stars like ROY favorite Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. Signing VanVleet to a big extension, and rolling out an FVV-Jalen Suggs-Wagner-Banchero-Wendell Carter Jr. lineup, could help the Magic return to the playoffs.
Not only would Toronto get a first-round pick that will likely end up in the top ten, but they will get three young assets that help plug their three biggest holes. The big prize in this deal is Anthony, a dynamic young scorer who could blossom with a greater offensive role in Toronto.
Bamba has been linked to the Raptors for years, and it’s easy to see why. With his endless wingspan and quality 3-point shot, Bamba is the type of center this Raptors team needs.
Harris might be more attractive to Toronto than Terrence Ross, as he is a more effective scorer at this stage of his career while being a passable defender. The Raptors could add a bench gunner without limiting Gary Trent Jr.
Per CleaningTheGlass, Fred VanVleet shot 44% at the rim through his first 18 games of the season.
— Keerthika Uthayakumar (@keerthikau) December 23, 2022
In 8 games since, he's shooting 68% at the rim. pic.twitter.com/Ade4a9tBZ2
The Raptors need to make some very difficult decisions about the roster, including potentially trading away VanVleet. At least Ujiri had done this whole “trade your leader” thing before and came out smelling like a rose.