Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet recently made waves on social media after mentioning on JJ Redick's podcast that he's not shy of admitting his desires to get paid as he enters free agency in the upcoming offseason. The former Wichita State product has made a good account of himself after emerging as one of the best players in the Raptors squad over the past few seasons.
Despite garnering significant interest from several teams around the league, the Raptors remain optimistic that they can still secure his services for the coming seasons.
Via Michael Grange of Sports Net:
“The word around the NBA is the Raptors maintain a quiet confidence they can get something done with their 26-year-old homegrown star: the relationship is good, the lines of communications remain open, they have history. As well, in theory, they can match or exceed any deal given VanVleet is their own free agent.”
After successfully winning a title with the Canada-based squad back in 2019, the Raptors eventually succumbed to the Boston Celtics in seven games in the Eastern Conference Semi Finals. The departure of 2019 Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard and the improvement of the league's powerhouse teams ultimately led to the demise of the Raptors.
He tallied career-best numbers of 17.6 points, 6.6 assists, and 1.9 steals per game through 54 games played last season. The former undrafted guard is set to become an unrestricted free agent as he nears the tail-end of his contract extension with the Raptors signed prior to the 2018-2019 season.
With a free choice to stay with his current team or opt for a bigger role with another team, VanVleet will ultimately go with the decision that will be best for the development of his career in the league.
Regardless of his position in mind, the Raptors are not leaving the offseason without making a run to retain one of their key players moving forward.
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