Could Fred VanVleet Leave The Raptors For the Big Bag in Houston?
The Toronto Raptors find themselves at a crossroads this offseason, with speculation swirling about the future of their roster. Josh Lewenberg's report suggests that the Raptors are planning to re-sign Jakob Pöltl and Fred VanVleet, while Michael Grange's report indicates that the Houston Rockets might tempt VanVleet with a lucrative two-year, $80 million deal. Amidst the uncertainty, the question arises: what should the Raptors do with Freddie?
The consensus seems to be that the Raptors have reached a point where they have no choice but to bring Freddie back if they want a reliable point guard to run their offense next year. However, the problem now is that if Houston is offering such a substantial amount of money, the Raptors might have to overpay to retain him. A ballpark figure of around four years and $140 million is being discussed, considering the recent contracts signed by players like Tyler Herro.
The decision ultimately lies in Freddie's hands. Does he prioritize financial gain and the opportunity to play for a team in rebuilding mode, like the Rockets, or does he choose to stay in Toronto and embrace the new direction under a new coach? The Raptors appear inclined to run it back with their core, albeit with a different playing style.
However, a critical question arises: is Freddie worth the massive contract he's likely to receive? While he is undoubtedly a great player, many argue that he is not worth the $30-40 million per year that is being thrown around. Houston's interest in him raises doubts about his ability to significantly impact a team in rebuilding mode. Furthermore, the Rockets already have several point guards and forwards on their roster, which raises concerns about the role Freddie would play and the respect he would command.
James Harden's reported decision to stay with the Philadelphia 76ers could potentially lead the Rockets to aggressively pursue Fred VanVleet. However, such a move could be an overpayment considering the Rockets' need for more depth and the potential availability of players like Brook Lopez. If the Raptors were to lose Freddie to the Rockets or another team, their options for a starting point guard become limited, with Dennis Schroder being one of the few remaining free agents on the market.
The Raptors find themselves in a challenging position. Retaining Freddie and Jakob might require them to pay the luxury tax this year, which conflicts with MLSE's desire to make a profit. Considering their current roster construction, with a playing team ranking around sixth in the Eastern Conference, some question whether it is wise for the Raptors to continue bringing back their core players.
From an outsider's perspective, it may seem like the Raptors overvalue their own players. However, it is likely that they are simply seeking the best possible return for their assets, without wanting to give up more than necessary. Trade proposals such as Jordan Poole for OG Anunoby or Poole for Terance Mann are not appealing on paper and do not favor the Raptors. It seems that the Raptors genuinely value their players and are rightfully cautious in pursuing trades that do not provide clear benefits.
Another intriguing development is OG Anunoby's departure from KLUTCH Sports Group, Rich Paul's agency. While this change may not directly impact the Raptors, it could signal a desire for OG to explore new contract possibilities. As a free agent next year, OG's future with the Raptors remains uncertain, especially given the constant trade rumors involving him.
The Raptors' upcoming season holds many storylines to follow. What will they do with Pascal Siakam? Will they trade Gary Trent Jr.? And how will Coach Darko Rajakovic's leadership shape the team? These questions remain unanswered, and the uncertainty surrounding the team is palpable.
In the coming weeks, further discussions will be needed to fully analyze the Raptors' situation. Their decisions regarding Siakam, Trent, and the coaching staff will have significant implications for the team's future. Until then, Raptors fans can only wait and hope for positive outcomes in this critical offseason.
