Executives around the NBA believe that the four-year, $85MM contract signed by Malcolm Brogdon last summer will set the market for Raptors guard Fred VanVleet this fall, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst.
Brogdon, who was 26 when he reached free agency in 2019, was coming off a season in which he averaged 15.6 PPG, 4.5 RPG, and 3.2 APG with an impressive .505/.426/.928 shooting line in 64 games for the top-seeded Bucks.
VanVleet’s shooting line in 2019/20 (.413/.390/.848) isn’t as impressive as Brogdon’s was, but the Raptors guard – who will also enter free agency at age 26 – is a strong defender who has enjoyed a career year offensively for the defending champions, with 17.6 PPG and 6.6 APG in 54 games.
As Windhorst points out, the NBA’s economy was healthier a year ago, and the fact that Brogdon was a restricted free agent helped boost his value. The Pacers had to make an aggressive offer to convince Milwaukee to sign-and-trade Brogdon to a division rival rarely than simply matching and retaining him.
However, there are factors working in VanVleet’s favor as well. If Anthony Davis and Brandon Ingram return to their respective teams, the Raptors guard could be the top free agent on the market, and he’d be an intriguing target for certain rebuilding teams with cap room, such as the Knicks and Pistons. Additionally, the Bucks reportedly had some health concerns related to Brogdon’s feet, which won’t apply to VanVleet.
Another strong playoff run could help further increase VanVleet’s free agent value. He got off to a good start on Monday, leading the Raptors to a blowout Game 1 win over Brooklyn with 30 points, 11 assists, and eight three-pointers.
Toronto will have the cap flexibility to necessary to retain VanVleet, but a pricey multiyear contract for the standout guard would cut into the team’s projected room for 2021, when president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri hopes to make a run at Giannis Antetokounmpo. If Giannis is sending strong signals that he intends to sign an extension with the Bucks, it could increase the Raptors’ willingness to pay big long-term money to VanVleet.
“If Davis and Ingram return to their respective teams, then VanVleet could be the top free agent on the market.”
It is almost incredible that those words refer to an undrafted, undersized college senior.
All three of those things are looked upon as big disadvantages in today’s NBA. And yet, he pulled through and made it.
Well done!
Giannis has been sending strong signals that he wants to stay in Milwaukee for years. 2 months ago, even.
Long term, mid-level contracts do nothing but hurt a team. All they do is lock up cap money, with minimal return on investment.
Look up the players making $10-20 million per year. None of those players are going to significantly change your outlook for a season.
Your better off using your money on cheap players on rookie deals or veterans willing to play for less.
Blame Knicks to pay those guys doubly
VanVleet is worth 85 million
Market is 110 million
Old man Horford contract 109 million
Its a vastly different market this year than it was last year.
Hard work is going to pay off for this young man.
My 6th sense tells me there is a trade this week
Possibly Thursday
Lottery teams deal
Not a VanVleet guy for my Knicks. But I respect where he is. After where he came from. Deserves major credit for doing it. It shows you can still show up after 24. In the old days you were a rookie at 22-23. After 4 yrs of college. Some college guys who weren’t stars. Didn’t show till after 25-26. I think Raptors keep him. The 85 mill is good for Raptors. Remember Lowry has one more yr on contract. Raptors should move Lowry next yr. Best for team to get value for him. Younger player or picks.
Sad 1: VanVleet could be the top free agent in the NBA. I blame the pandemic stupidity of NBA GMs.
Sad 2: VanVleet is as valued as Malcolm “The Injury Machine” Brogdon.
Happy: If Brogdon takes up pro wrestling he already has a great nickname!
Not sure how. Brogden was an RFA. Indiana was proactive, but certainly had to price him with that, and the Bucks situation, in mind. FVV is an UFA, and will likely just go to the highest bidder. Not sure he’s an equivalent player, but if he’s considered that, his salary will likely be higher.
VanVleet now or the dream of Giannis later: hmm.
The Bucks are not looking good, so good for the non-Wisconsin dreamers. But I doubt Giannis ever learns to shoot and his barging style fits the playoffs less, where defenders are more likely to quick-step to the spot and stand solid in his path.
If I was Toronto, I would like Giannis right where he is, mowing down the EC competition, but failing at the top. 4/$85 it is
I meant TOR’s perspective should be that Giannis will defeat TOR’s EC competition but not have enough to beat TOR.
Steady Freddy is going nowhere
Resigning with Raps, loves TO
Will take a slight team discount at just under 80mil for 4 years
Teams in need of a PG—Knicks, Detroit going nowhere