Buy or sell latest batch of Toronto Raptors trade rumors before trade deadline

1. Fred VanVleet being targeted by Suns, Magic in free agency

The Raptors could trade VanVleet for a haul, especially with a hypothetical four-year contract likely costing around $30 million per season coming down the bend. No matter what they end up doing with him at the deadline, their grand plan to potentially resign him could get upended by both a contender and a rebuilding team.

Charania’s report also hinted that the Suns and Magic will try to sign VanVleet in free agency. With Phoenix looking to both find another backcourt dynamo and a long-term succession plan for Chris Paul, the Suns might be willing to go into the luxury tax to bring in VanVleet and make a run at the West in 2023.

Toronto Raptors PG Fred VanVleet has tons of suitors.

Orlando is at the other end of the spectrum, but that likely won’t deter their interest in VanVleet. With a tremendous young core centered around Paolo Banchero, Jalen Suggs, and Franz Wagner already in place, VanVleet could slide right in as the experienced greybeard that helps instill a culture of winning in Orlando.

Even in a year that has been so trying and taxing due to all of the media pressure that has beaten this team up, VanVleet is going to cash in big time. Time will tell if that contract offer comes in Canada with the Raptors, down in the Arizona desert, or at Disney World.

Verdict: Buy