Fred Van Vleet's stock has gone from nonexistent to through-the-roof in the span of this regular season, going from a third-string point guard to the key backup to the All-Star backcourt duo of Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan, expected to command a savory offer from other teams as a restricted free agent.

The Virginia Commonwealth product doubled down on his desire to commit to this team,

“Winning comes first,” Fred VanVleet said on his free agency status, according to Ryan Wolstat of The Toronto Sun.

The combo guard mentioned he is a restricted free agent, so he doesn't have the “ultimate green light to go somewhere else.”

“I love it here, this is the place that gave me a chance, gave me the opportunity,” added Van Vleet. I'm a loyal guy.”

Keeping Van Vleet would be a daunting predicament for this Raptors team, as he is likely to command an offer in the $10-12 million-per-year range, according to Sean Deveney of The Sporting News.

Matching that sum would put the Raptors in inflation, forced to overpay for his services, costing them around an extra $20 million in taxes for the first season of his contract.

The Raptors will also have to take in account the blueprint of this team after being swept in the last two seasons, likely spelling the end of an era for this core group.