Point guard Fred VanVleet was one of the best players on the Toronto Raptors during the 2022-23 season, acting as one of the veteran leaders on the team. However, it seems as though there is a possibility that he will no longer be with the team next season.
A recent report from Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN revealed that Fred VanVleet will be declining his $22.8 million player option with the Raptors, and he will thus become a free agent.
“In the first major domino of free agency, Toronto Raptors All-Star guard Fred VanVleet has declined his $22.8 million player option and will become an unrestricted free agent in July, sources told ESPN on Monday.”
One important thing to note from Wojnarowski’s report is that Fred VanVleet has not “ruled out” returning to the Toronto Raptors, but it was also noted that there are “several contenders” who want to acquire him in a sign-and-trade with the Raptors.
“VanVleet hasn’t ruled out negotiating a new deal and a Raptors return, sources said, but he becomes one of the most prominent guards in the marketplace and an immediate target of teams with cap space and several contenders who’d welcome discussions on sign-and-trade scenarios with Toronto, sources said.”
Though Fred VanVleet is a player that certainly has his limitations due to his size, he is still a quality player that has championship experience, winning a ring with the Raptors in 2019. It is easy to see why a lot of teams are high on him.
This past season, Fred VanVleet averaged 19.3 PPG, 4.1 RPG, and 7.2 APG for the Toronto Raptors. He also is a career 37.3% 3PT shooter and would be a great addition for any team that needs a floor general that can also space the floor.
The Philadelphia 76ers Are A Team That Could Target Fred VanVleet
There have already been a number of teams linked with Fred VanVleet. One of those teams is the Philadelphia 76ers, who could pursue the point guard as a James Harden replacement.
“Harden owns a $35.64 million player option for the 2023-24 season that many around the league are anticipating him opting out of. Leaving the Sixers after just one full season and signing elsewhere as an unrestricted free agent is a very real possibility for Harden, which is why Philadelphia has begun giving thought as to who could replace the former league MVP. According to league sources close to the organization, Raptors All-Star guard Fred VanVleet has emerged as a potential replacement for Harden this offseason.”
It remains to be seen if Fred VanVleet will, in fact end up on the Philadelphia 76ers. He has also been connected to teams like the Rockets as well, and it is clear that he will have a fair amount of options to choose from.
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