The Toronto Raptors trade rumors have been flying all over the place in recent weeks, with point guard Fred VanVleet standing out as one of the most desirable assets at the trade deadline. For just one afternoon, however, Kyrie Irving decided to snatch the spotlight away from him.
Irving demanded a trade, with his eyes on getting a max contract in free agency. Because the Brooklyn Nets had the audacity to question the long-term viability of giving a player who has missed nearly half his games in the last four years and posted a link to an anti-Semetic movie on social media, Irving pouted his way to the Dallas Mavericks.
The Nets received a starting point guard in Spencer Dinwiddie, a quality defender in Dorian Finney-Smith, and a first-round pick. All the teams that were in on Irving have to be absolutely furious with themselves, as their inaction helped Dallas make a move for him.
Still, with Kyrie out of the way, VanVleet is now the unquestioned best point guard available. These three teams may not have the league’s most volatile asset on their team right now, but they could pivot and overpay the Raptors for VanVleet out of desperation.
Toronto Raptors trade rumors: 3 Fred VanVleet suitors after Kyrie Irving move.
3. Phoenix Suns
With the Suns being linked to Kevin Durant and OG Anunoby, it is very clear that James Jones is going to overturn every stone in the hope of finding a win-now trade that turns Phoenix into a Western Conference contender. Chris Paul is getting long in the tooth, and they need a long-term succession plan.
The Raptors can go down one of two paths with Phoenix on both VanVleet and Anunoby deals, the first of which involves center Deandre Ayton. Both of them would fill positions of need, while Ayton could be a better fit for Toronto’s timeline given his age and double-double skill.
Toronto Raptors trade rumors: Phoenix needs a PG like Fred VanVleet.
If they go the second route, Cameron Johnson will need to change hands along with a handful of unprotected first-round draft picks. Devin Booker’s prime could end at any second, meaning that Phoenix must stay aggressive now that Dallas has laid their cards on the table.
Monty Williams has already gotten to an NBA Finals with one undersized veteran point guard, and he could do it again with VanVleet. Shams Charania confirming that Phoenix was in on VanVleet only reaffirms the notion that they should push even harder for an acquisition.
2. Los Angeles Clippers
While the Clippers are in a very tough spot in terms of trading for an impact performer, as they parted ways with most of their draft capital during their pursuit of Paul George. Despite that, the Clippers seem to be of the mindset that John Wall and Reggie Jackson aren’t good enough to contend with.
Toronto may not have as much interest in either one of them in the short term. Rather, they could covet one of their young guards like Terance Mann. Veteran shooter Luke Kennard will be a quality addition for a Raptors team that remains near the bottom of the league in 3-point shooting.
Toronto Raptors trade rumors: The Clippers could use Fred VanVleet.
Both Kennard and Mann were mentioned as trade chips in LA’s Irving package, showing that the Clippers could be willing to get rid of both of them if a particular point guard was available. VanVleet has improved his play lately, so he is not a negative trade asset anymore.
Considering that Kawhi Leonard and Norman Powell are already in town (not to mention their brief flirtation with Serge Ibaka), this front office clearly values what Masai Ujiri put together with that 2019 championship team. The band could get fully back together in LA if VanVleet is traded for Kennard, Mann, and picks.
1. Los Angeles Lakers
Much to the ire of LeBron James, Rob Pelinka was unable to secure Irving’s services. However, their pursuit of Irving shows that this franchise is desperate to acquire a third star that can help James and Anthony Davis get back in the title hunt. VanVleet could easily check that box.
While the Raptors would assuredly have no interest in acquiring Russell Westbrook, they could get a third team involved. LA could give up Westbrook and two first-round picks, Toronto could get an amalgamation of picks and players from the third team in question, and VanVleet can move to the Klutch Sports stronghold in LA.
Toronto Raptors trade rumors: Can the Lakers get Fred VanVleet?
The panic out of LA is palpable, which puts Ujiri (who already has tons of leverage) in an even more advantageous position. The Lakers need a high-end shooter and ball-handler, and the market for such a player has essentially dried up after the Kyrie move.
It remains to be seen if VanVleet would sign with the Lakers long-term, as they have quite a significant chunk of change tied up in their marquee players. Even if it’s just a rental, LA will likely try to pry VanVleet away from the Raptors.