Raptors free agency: 3 Fred VanVleet replacements to do homework on

The Toronto Raptors are not going to get away from the Fred VanVleet question this offseason, as the former undrafted free agent is trying to cash in on one last big deal before age starts to take a toll on him. His uneven 2022-23 season will make this free agency dance a very interesting conundrum.

Klutch Sports’ newest client has been one of Toronto’s best offensive players during most of the 2022-23 season, but his inconsistency and propensity to dominate the ball at the expense of Scottie Barnes have made him one of the most polarizing players in recent Raptors history. His contract demands are only making things more challenging.

VanVleet is almost assuredly going to opt out of the last year of his deal with the promise of a nine-figure payday. That could be very expensive for a Raptors team that needs to figure out how to retain Gary Trent Jr. and new addition Jakob Poeltl without dipping into the luxury tax.

If VanVleet is going to leave in free agency, Toronto needs to pivot off him very quickly. Any one of these three players, albeit to varying degrees, should be able to provide somewhat convincing facsimiles of what VanVleet brings to the table on both ends.

Toronto Raptors: 3 Fred VanVleet replacements to target.

3. Coby White

White is one of many young players that is simply in need of a fresh start. While White was signed to lead the Bulls’ backcourt, the additions of Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan have made it difficult for him to really get into a flow or assume a bigger role.

White is averaging just 8.8 points per game this season after three consecutive years in which he averaged double digits per game. If Toronto is eventually going to turn the page and make Barnes the featured ball-handler, supplementing him with a player like White might be all that is needed.

Will the Toronto Raptors sign Coby White?

With Gary Trent Jr. also potentially hitting free agency, Toronto can give him the long-term deal he has earned while still paying White, effectively killing two birds with one stone. White as the lead guard off the bench could be a dynamic addition to this second unit.

Still electric with the ball in his hands and capable of slicing to the basket, White needs to go to a team that believes in his skillset and is willing to give him a more defined role on the squad. Toronto could get White back on track if they work their developmental magic on him.