D’Angelo Russell fuels Raptors rumors with workout in Toronto

The Toronto Raptors might need to go big game hunting in free agency, as the contract offers that Fred VanVleet is receiving might make it difficult for the longtime Raptors point guard to return for the next few seasons. Could D’Angelo Russell come to town as a potential replacement?

With the Lakers potentially eyeing another big splash in free agency, the odds of Russell returning following a poor postseason showing are lower than they ever have been. While he will cost a pretty penny, he is still more cost-effective than VanVleet while bringing an efficient 3-point shot to the table.

Russell to Toronto should be considered a long shot due to all of the moving pieces that would need to click into position for such a move to be consummated. Even with that, it is fun to dream. Russell got his supporters interested when he made the trip up north for a brief shootaround.

Russell was spotted working out at the University of Toronto, which is certainly an interesting choice for a Louisville-born player who has spent most of his NBA career in Brooklyn and Los Angeles. In terms of viable VanVleet replacements, Russell should be at or near the top of the list.

Will the Toronto Raptors land D’Angelo Russell?

A Russell for VanVleet sign-and-trade won’t satisfy all parties. In order to make the money match up, Russell would likely need to be paid way beyond market value. Coming off a disappointing playoff showing against the Nuggets, it is fair to be skeptical of his value.

However, with so few players on this Raptors team actually locked up long-term, bringing in a bigger guard who can score and is still in the prime of his career might be a way for Ujiri to capitalize on their current core that he loves so much if VanVleet leaves.

Russell, if nothing else, is going to stuff the stat sheet and put up a respectable offensive effort as an on-ball creator. The issue, apart from his price, is the fact that he isn’t as effective when he doesn’t have the ball in his hands. Still, no free agents out there can score like he can.

Russell is an unlikely VanVleet replacement, but he can’t be ruled out if Masai Ujiri wants to go big in his quest to replace him. He is already starting to ingratiate himself with the local populace. Until he signs and ends this speculation, the rumors around him and the Raptors will not die down.