Clippers insider reveals laughable Fred VanVleet trade package

The Toronto Raptors were supposed to be the team that set the trade deadline on fire, trading away names like OG Anunoby and Fred VanVleet to move ahead into a brand-new era. Unfortunately for some fans, none of those moves came to fruition despite some juicy rumors.

The Jakob Poeltl trade brought a quality rebounder and shot-blocker to Toronto, but it also was the only move they made before the deadline. Teams like the Los Angeles Clippers could gave used a player like VanVleet on their roster, but no deal materialized.

The Clippers, who were in desperate need of a point guard, decided to get off John Wall’s contract and acquire young standout Bones Hyland from the Denver Nuggets. LA tried to get a deal hammered out with Toronto, but the package going back to the Raptors didn’t interest them.

According to Farbod Esnaashari, the Raptors wanted Terance Mann and a first-round pick in exchange for VanVleet, but the Clippers opted to get a cheaper option in Hyland. This might look like a lose-lose to some. The Raptors were unable to find a partner for an impending free agent, while LA traded for a clear downgrade.

Toronto Raptors: Clippers offer for Fred VanVleet revealed.

VanVleet’s efficiency averages are still not what you want to see, but he has turned things around lately. Since January 16, VanVleet is averaging 24.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game while making 45% of his shots and a more than respectable 38% of his 3-pointers.

Mann is averaging just 9.9 points per game in the last two seasons, but there is reason to believe that his numbers could have ticked upward in the next few weeks with an expanded role in Toronto. Mann remains a tremendous defender who can finish and shoot, and he could have been a big part of what the Raptors are trying to build.

If the Raptors were perhaps able to acquire a player like Luke Kennard, who was traded to the Grizzlies, in addition to Mann, both parties may have been able to come to an agreement on a trade. Instead, LA opted for Hyland while the Raptors appear to remain locked in with VanVleet.

Ujiri’s patient approach to this core is certainly not going to please everyone, especially those who (correctly) believe that VanVleet’s physical limitations and ball dominance can make for some uneveness between him, Pascal Siakam and Scottie Barnes. For at least the rest of the year, VanVleet will be a Raptor.