Replacing Fred VanVleet with Dennis Schroder
The Raptors decided to pivot from VanVleet by signing Schroder to a two-year deal that costs just under $26 million. While VanVleet regressed last season and made an enemy out of large, vocal segments of the fanbase, viewing this trade as a one-for-one swap is a poor move.
Losing VanVleet for nothing, in a vacuum, is a terrible move. However, the Raptors should not have made a trade before free agency for the sake of making a deal. If the value wasn’t there, don’t do it. VanVleet was also incredibly inefficient and ball-dominant last year. Simply put, it was time to turn the page.
Can the Toronto Raptors swap Fred VanVleet with Dennis Schroder?
If the Raptors signed Schroder to be the starting point guard, pushing Gary Trent Jr. back to the bench after he opted into the final year of his contract, that would be a very poor decision. Using him as a bench switchblade that adds energy, however, is a different story.
Schroder has shown to be an above-average scorer and defender at the point of attack that will be a vocal veteran leader who can help pick up the slack for VanVleet in this area. Fans might be disappointed by No. 23 bolting, but they can expect constant solid production from the German ball-handler.
Grade: B-