NBA Rumors: Orlando Magic to make strong push for Fred VanVleet in Free Agency

NBA Rumors: The Orlando Magic are preparing to make a strong push for Fred VanVleet in free agency this offseason. 

It was somewhat curious to see the Toronto Raptors not trade Fred VanVleet at the NBA Trade Deadline. However, that does leave us with the sense that the team will at least attempt to re-sign him during the offseason. VanVleet has a player option for next year but the overwhelming thought is that he will opt out and test free agency this summer.

While the expectation is probably that he’ll get a nice extension from the Raptors that are unlikely to pivot to a full-blown rebuild (especially after adding Jakob Poeltl at the trade deadline), the expectation is that there will be other suitors for VanVleet. And if the Raptors aren’t willing to give him the big-money extension that he’s probably going to be seeking (and is probably worth), there are other teams that will be lining up for their chance to pitch to VanVleet.

And according to a recent report, one of the teams that is expected to go after VanVleet strong is the Orlando Magic. In the words of NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Magic is preparing to throw some “serious money” in the direction of VanVleet in an attempt to pry him away from Toronto.

Should the Orlando Magic be willing to make such a big move?

It’s no surprise that the Magic have been linked to VanVleet. We heard something similar to this ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline. After not making a move for him at the deadline, the expectation is that the Magic is likely going to swing again for him when/if he hits the open market.

The big question is whether or not this is a move that the Magic should be considering. VanVleet has struggled with his shooting efficiency this season but he’s still averaging 20 points, seven assists, and four rebounds per game. He’d absolutely be a player that could help get the Magic pointed in the right direction.

I’d question if they’re ready for such a jump.

Orlando has the fifth-worst record in the NBA right now but their future is quite bright. Paolo Banchero may be the NBA’s Rookie of the Year, and Franz Wagner and Wendell Carter Jr. have proven to be solid foundational pieces for the team. Add in another projected top 5 pick and VanVleet and perhaps the Magic could make a real move up the Eastern Conference standings.

There is still plenty that needs to be figured out by the Magic this offseason but they could be in a position where they’re ready to spend big on a free agent. And it’s looking more and more like VanVleet could be the team’s primary target in free agency this offseason.