Raptors free agency: 3 teams who could steal Fred VanVleet away

1. Phoenix Suns

The Suns still have Chris Paul in town, but a point guard performing at a championship level while being as old as CP3 is nearly unprecedented across NBA history. Phoenix needs to surround Kevin Durant and Devin Booker with elite players to maximize their contention window while preparing for life without Paul.

VanVleet joining Monty Williams might be the best way to ensure he can sate his twin desires for a huge payday and a shot at a championship ring. The ball-dominant play will dissipate alongside stars like Booker and Durant and Phoenix, which could make him a more effective offensive player.

Will the Phoenix Suns get Fred VanVleet?

It might be tough for the Suns to field a bench with three (potentially four) extremely expensive players making over $30 million per season, but the fact that Kevin Durant was acquired on Mat Ishiba’s first official day in charge of this team shows that ownership is willing to pay whatever cost they need to if it means they can build a winner.

Playing alongside Durant makes everyone look better on offense due to the gravity he possesses, and VanVleet could be in for a similar production bump in such an explosive offense. Getting out of Nick Nurse’s stagnant scheme might work wonders.