The Toronto Raptors and Fred VanVleet are in a predicament as the NBA trade deadline nears. Both sides would surely like to remain together, but he’s in the final year of a four-year, $85 million contract. Without a contract extension in place, he could depart in free agency, leaving the team without anything in return.
If the Raptors seek to make a trade involving VanVleet to get compensated without the risk of a possible departure, there should be some intriguing options to consider ahead of Feb. 9.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Orlando Magic and Phoenix Suns have emerged as suitors for a trade with the Raptors involving Fred VanVleet.
The Suns and Magic have emerged as potential free-agent suitors for All-Star guard VanVleet, league sources say.
It has been an up-and-down season for VanVleet. His volume stats look great, averaging 18.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 1.5 steals. However, he’s producing those results while shooting just 37.6 percent from the floor and 32.8 percent from 3-point range. As a smaller guard, he’s always been limited in getting to the rim. Is it wise to pay him a big contract as he reaches 30 years old?
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Fred VanVleet, Toronto Raptors, Orlando Magic, and Phoenix Suns Updates
VanVleet recently commented on his future with the Raptors, expressing his desire to remain loyal to the only NBA franchise he’s played for during his seven-year career. With the landscape for a contract extension being limited by the CBA rules, a deal isn’t going to get done midseason — putting the franchise at risk of departure.
“I’m completely focused on his team,” VanVleet said. “My loyalty is to this team and to this franchise and trying to
The Magic have failed to receive positive results from Jalen Suggs since drafting him with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. Some limitations come with both Markelle Fultz and Cole Anthony as point guard options. It makes sense for Orlando to pursue an established veteran for the position.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Fred VanVleet, Toronto Raptors, Orlando Magic, and Phoenix Suns Updates
The Suns face a challenging set of circumstances. They are 18-11 with Devin Booker in the lineup and are 3-13 when he isn’t playing. Chris Paul can no longer lead Phoenix to success when his backcourt partner isn’t alongside him. It feels overdue for a change at point guard.
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