The Toronto Raptors face the very distinct possibility of losing Fred VanVleet in free agency. While they will likely bend over backward to appease him and keep him in town, the firing of Nick Nurse and his likely exorbitant price tag create some serious obstacles that could come in the way of him achieving his full potential.
VanVleet is likely going to earn a contract that costs well into nine figures, which could make things financially difficult for a Raptors team that will likely retain Jakob Poeltl in free agency while also saving up enough space to give Scottie Barnes a big deal in the coming future.
VanVleet had his struggles last season, as the unsightly shooting percentages and the ill-advised shots in crunch time are still fresh in the minds of so many Raptors fans. Bringing him back does certainly have its benefits, but it is not a done deal, given how he often looked like an incongruous fit.
The Raptors need to be on the lookout for one of these three teams, as they possess the right combination of cap space, the desire to quickly improve the roster, and the need for a player like VanVleet at point guard. The Raptors might need to prepare for life after VanVleet.
3 teams who could sign Toronto Raptors PG Fred VanVleet.
3. Orlando Magic
The hype train might be leaving the station very soon, as the Magic appear ready to make themselves known in the Eastern Conference. They have a Rookie of the Year in Paolo Banchero, a perfect secondary star in Franz Wagner, and multiple lottery picks in this upcoming draft.
What is missing, however, is the veteran leader in the backcourt that can tie everything together. VanVleet has been linked to the Magic for quite some time, and it makes sense, given the direction of this team. He could be the missing piece on a younger team.
The Magic could eye Toronto Raptors PG Fred VanVleet.
While Markelle Fultz, Jalen Suggs, and Cole Anthony have been performing well, does a backcourt consisting primarily of those three really move the needle in the Eastern Conference? VanVleet may not be prime Penny Hardaway, but he can have an instant impact.
A talented young team with no veterans is destined to flail unsupported until someone properly shows them how to win in clutch situations. VanVleet’s locker room impact will appeal to Orlando, and the fact they have great weather and no state tax could swing VanVleet’s mind if the raw salary terms being discussed with Toronto are equal.
2. Houston Rockets
The Rockets have more cap space than anyone else, meaning that they can go toe to toe with anyone else if finances are going to be the deciding factor. Even though Nick Nurse is not going to go to Houston, Ime Udoka will assuredly look for culture-setters on his new team.
Kevin Porter Jr. is not guaranteed any featured role on this new-look team, and Jalen Green has been thrown into the rumor mill. Udoka has been known for his defensive excellence, which could make Houston an ideal landing spot for a terrific on-ball stopper like VanVleet.
The Houston Rockets could spend on Fred VanVleet.
VanVleet needs to be able to get a steady diet of 3-point shots in order to be effective offensively, as his finishing at the rim is one of the few below-average aspects of his game. Going to Udoka’s system, which had the Celtics operating at a championship level.
VanVleet already has his championship ring, so he doesn’t need to take less money in order to snatch one more at this point in his career. Houston will give him a fat check and a highlighted role, which might be all he needs at this point in his career.
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.