Reason No. 2: The trade value of Fred VanVleet
It might seem crazy to trade Fred VanVleet, a franchise cornerstone who helped lead the team to their only championship, but it shouldn’t be entirely out of the question. VanVleet has the option to opt-out of his contract this summer and is expecting a max contract.
If the Illinois native is itching to go back stateside, the Raptors would be wise to get something out of his departure instead of letting him walk for free in the offseason.
While VanVleet is having an underwhelming year shooting only 37.2% from the field, he still has tremendous trade value and at only 28 years old, could offer immediate production and championship experience to a team that wants him.
Michael Pina of The Ringer suggested that if the Chicago Bulls get impatient with Lonzo Ball’s knee injury, they could offer Patrick Williams, Coby White, and Derrick Jones Jr. for VanVleet.
That’s definitely an intriguing deal to watch out for.