If you’re going to hire someone, you’re hoping they’ll stick around. The same holds true in the NBA.

Unless, of course, you decide to fire them. Otherwise, any employer hires an employee with the intention of having them around for the long haul if they perform well. 

Teams are generally apprehensive about trading for a player in a contract year. For that reason, teams won’t typically get fair value for players in that situation. 

For example, Fred VanVleet of the Toronto Raptors is due for a new contract this summer.

Meanwhile, the Raptors are widely regarded as candidates to blow up their roster. They may do so, but given VanVleet’s contractual status, they shouldn’t expect a haul. 

Here’s a deal that sends him to the Washington Wizards anyway.