The Raptors are confident that they can reach a new contract with free agent Fred VanVleet, writes Michael Grange of Sportsnet.ca. Toronto has a strong relationship with VanVleet and has continued to communicate with his agent about a new deal.
VanVleet became a full-time starter last season and responded with a career year, averaging 17.6 points and 6.6 assists in 54 games. He was also fourth in the NBA in steals and led the league in deflections. A year before that, he was a valuable rotation piece as the Raptors won their first NBA title.
VanVleet spoke about his objectives in free agency during a recent appearance on J.J. Redick‘s podcast. He admitted wanting to maximize his earnings, but said other considerations will be part of his decision.
“I’m a businessman at heart … but I do value certain things when picking between franchises that are offering the same number,” he said. “That part will be easy … we know what teams are what.”
Grange notes that part of the reason for the Raptors’ confidence is a market limited by the small number of teams with cap space and the league-wide loss of revenue last season. Still, an Eastern Conference executive told Grange it wouldn’t be surprising if a team decided to give VanVleet a max offer of about $117.3MM over four years.
Grange identifies New York, Detroit and Phoenix as teams with cap space that will be in the market for a point guard. However, Knicks president Leon Rose may be looking at a different target in his first major move with the franchise, the Pistons reportedly won’t exceed an offer of about $20MM per year and the Suns are currently limited to $19MM in cap space. Grange expects Toronto to match anything in that range.
A larger offer could leave the Raptors with a difficult decision. Toronto’s long-term plan is to build around VanVleet, Pascal Siakam, who already has a max deal, and possibly OG Anunoby, who is eligible for a rookie scale extension this offseason. Giving max money to VanVleet would take away any financial flexibility for the future.
Grange compares VanVleet’s situation to Kyle Lowry‘s free agency three years ago. Although there were rumors he might wind up with the Heat, Spurs or Timberwolves, Toronto’s front office was patient and eventually got him to re-sign. Grange expects a similar outcome this fall, with VanVleet agreeing to a deal that benefits both him and the team.
Pretty sure he’s unrestricted, yeah? Thought his most recent deal was signed during his RFA
He had similar number to terry rozier, to me they have similar value.
FVW is a good player. He has a strong basketball IQ, decent defender, good shot creator. I think any team that pays him is desperate for offense or just need a FA signing to keep the loyal fanbase seem happy. He won’t be worth the money in a few years. I haven’t seen a FA with this much hype who burst onto the radar since Lance Stephenson did, and we all know what MJ did there.
Money is on Pistons with Casey familiarity and he gets to be a main player for that roster.
I guess kawhi does have the same effect as lebron. He made masai overpay siakim and now vanvleet lol
What an awful take lol
Nobody is paying VanVleet. Next yr is big FA year. He’s staying in Toronto.