Fred VanVleet is expected to command $30-plus million annually on his next deal, according to NBA executives who spoke with Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
VanVleet has declined his 2023-24 player option with the Toronto Raptors, so he becomes an unrestricted free agent in July.
“After a mutual decision by VanVleet and the Raptors to hold off extension talks that would’ve potentially landed him a four-year, $114 million contract, which is considered below his market value, Toronto remains in the mix to re-sign the 2022 All-Star guard,” Scotto wrote. “However, several other teams, including the Rockets, Lakers, Suns, and Magic, have been linked to VanVleet as potential suitors, while other playoff-caliber teams could emerge as sign-and-trade options.”
VanVleet averaged 19.3 points, 4.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists this past season while shooting 39.3% from the floor, 34.2% from beyond the arc and 89.8% from the free-throw line. The Raptors lost to the Chicago Bulls in the 9-10 play-in game and didn’t qualify for the 2023 postseason.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Fred VanVleet & Toronto Raptors Updates
Toronto could embark on a rebuild this offseason after firing Nick Nurse and hiring Darko Rajakovic as its new head coach.
VanVleet, who is an undrafted player out of Wichita State, has career averages of 14.6 points, 3.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists. He is represented by Klutch Sports Group.
“New Rockets coach Ime Udoka is believed to covet a veteran point guard, according to league sources, and VanVleet is among a wide list of targets for Houston this offseason, as noted in a recent HoopsHype podcast with Rockets beat writer Kelly Iko of The Athletic,” Scotto wrote. “For the Lakers to land VanVleet, it would likely need to involve D’Angelo Russell as part of a sign-and-trade, but Toronto would need to covet Russell – a fellow free agent – in such a scenario.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Fred VanVleet & Toronto Raptors Updates
“The Suns flirted with adding VanVleet when he was previously a free agent, but it never came to fruition. Now, the Suns have discussed several trade scenarios involving future Hall of Famer Chris Paul, including a deal that would land Bradley Beal in Phoenix. Orlando has been linked to VanVleet due to his connection with Jeff Weltman during their time together in Toronto. However, there’s some pessimism that Orlando would be willing to make a big splash in free agency by signing VanVleet with a predominantly young core that isn’t ready to contend at a high level now.”
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