The Toronto Raptors are interested in re-signing point guard Fred VanVleet, but don't want to compromise the cap space they're hoping to free up to make a run at Giannis Antetokounmpo in 2021, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski (via RealGM).

“I think for Toronto, they look at this season and then they look at the summer of 2021, when like a lot of teams, they want to be in the sweepstakes for Giannis Antetokounmpo,” said Wojnarowski in a late-night ESPN special with coleague Zach Lowe. “You're not going to see them do anything here that's going to compromise their salary cap flexibility for the following year.”

The Raptors still have the expiring contracts of Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol, along with a tradable asset in Kyle Lowry, after the organization tacked on another year and $30 million into the remaining year on his contract.

VanVleet has thrived in his second season in a major role for this team, picking up where he left off in the 2019 NBA Finals and making his presence known as more than an able contributor. The Wichita State product could very well get the keys to the point guard spot if Lowry is moved before the trade deadline, making it imperative for the Raptors to re-sign him in the summer.

However, Toronto can't afford to cripple itself with a loaded contractual structure for VanVleet, considering they're looking into the future and hope to have a shot at landing the reigning MVP in less than two years.