The Toronto Raptors are going to be very busy this NBA offseason. They have the headache of Pascal Siakam’s contract extension gone but they have other players to worry about. Both big men will hit free agency in Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol along with Fred VanVleet being the top attainable free agent for teams around the league.
The Wichita State product has improved every year. He averaged 17.6 points, 6.6 assists, and 1.9 steals per game last season while converting from beyond the arc at a 39% clip. The Raptors have it set up perfectly for VanVleet to take over for Kyle Lowry once he retires but they have to think about re-signing him first.
This is not a guarantee. In a weaker free-agent class, VanVleet is one of the biggest names available. This could cause a team to overpay slightly for him, and he’s looking to ‘cash out’ after already winning a championship.
The Raptors have a lot on their plate this NBA offseason and could choose not to overpay VanVleet if that is what it is going to take. Toronto has shown an ability to find steals in the NBA Draft and undrafted free agency, so they shouldn’t feel desperate to bring him back.
There will be plenty of teams after Fred VanVleet this NBA offseason. Let’s take a look at five teams who should make a run at him in free agency— aside from the Toronto Raptors.
