The Toronto Raptors could be just a few days away from doing what was previously unthinkable and trading away Fred VanVleet. Teams all across the league want to acquire VanVleet and bring his unique veteran presence and deadly 3-point shot over to their mix.
VanVleet just fired his agent, which could be a precursor of him potentially choosing to decline his player option and enter the open market as a free agent with a nine-figure payday on the horizon. As such, the trade talk surrounding him is really starting to pick up.
While a trade to the West makes a ton of sense, especially with a team like the Pelicans in need of another star and armed with plenty of draft picks, the Raptors may find a better offer in a contender that has very rarely had all of their big names healthy.
According to Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer, the Clippers are trying to make a run at acquiring VanVleet. With FVV and Kyle Lowry both firmly in their crosshairs, LA is trying everything possible to acquire a proven veteran point guard that can take their title pursuit into high gear.
With the West wide open, the Clippers look prepared to go all-in ahead of the trade deadline. All the latest on @ringer about the Clippers and other teams in the NBA: https://t.co/jracBTs5kU
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) January 24, 2023
Will the Clippers acquire Toronto Raptors PG Fred VanVleet?
While VanVleet, who is averaging 19.1 points and 6.3 assists per game this year, has been struggling with efficiency this season, he has picked things up lately. He has averaged an insane 31.3 points per game in last four contests, nailing 49% of his 3-pointers.
The Clippers are a peculiar destination for VanVleet. With so much money tied up in Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, they might not be able to offer the most money up front for an impending free agent like VanVleet. Will they really give up that much for a rental that might decide to go somewhere else in free agency?
If the Clippers can get creative, given how many picks they traded to Oklahoma City, they can get a true lead point guard near the peak of his powers that brings championship experience and pesky defense. With so many injuries on that team, VanVleet’s presence will be invaluable.
.@BleacherReport Sources: Trade buzz featuring Portland Trail Blazers, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics and a pivotal move made by Toronto Raptors star Fred VanVleet: https://t.co/xNvxoCslWi
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) January 24, 2023
While it’s a bit ironic that LA’s concept of building a successful team is just to mirror whatever the Raptors were doing at their best, VanVleet could be the nitro boost this team needs. The issue of compensating Toronto adequately for VanVleet’s services, however, is a different story.