Return or Burn: 4 guards Raptors could part with in offseason

1. PG Fred VanVleet

Losing VanVleet would make the Raptors a worse team, for all his faults. He can provide some 3-point shooting when he’s locked in, his penchant for timely defensive plays has not eroded, and his clearly a respected veteran voice in that locker room.

However, the contract situation that VanVleet has created could force him away from the only NBA home he has ever known. VanVleet’s deal is expected to go well into nine figures, with numbers like $30 million per season for a four-year contract being tossed around.

Can the Toronto Raptors keep Fred VanVleet?

While VanVleet will undoubtedly attract interest from contending teams, some squads at the bottom of the standings (like the Houston Rockets and Orlando Magic) have reportedly expressed interest in signing him to be the veteran leader they need to start turning things around.

If the Raptors drafted Scottie Barnes with the vision of eventually making him the long-term answer at point guard, they may not get a better shot to rip the Band-Aid off. VanVleet being let go will allow both Trent and Poeltl to be retained with enough money left over to sign a traditional point guard for the bench.

Verdict: Burn