Will Fred VanVleet still be in Toronto after the February 9 NBA Trade Deadline? Given his contractual situation (last year of contract) and the disappointing season of the Raptors, a transfer cannot be ruled out. And among the teams keeping a close eye on the case is the Magic.
Clearly in the “franchise under reconstruction” category before the start of the season, Orlando gradually reaches the top under the impetus of Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Bol Bol et Cie. Today, we can talk about the Magic – 13th in the East with 19 wins for 29 losses – as a team that has solid foundations to progress, and that can aim for something other than the Draft Lottery. It is often at this point in the process that a franchise wants to add quality veterans to the roster to accelerate the progression of the team.
Bring in Fred VanVleet.
If we are to believe the latest rumors from the hallway reported by Bleacher Report, FVV is one of the players targeted by the Magic front officeeager to strengthen the team to join the race for the Playoffs in the years to come.
The Suns and Magic have emerged as potential free-agent suitors for Fred VanVleet, sources tell @ShamsCharania.
VanVleet is among several Raptors players teams are monitoring ahead of the trade deadline if Toronto decides to rebuild.https://t.co/AebTkP4hes pic.twitter.com/QoXLAzh4SO
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) January 17, 2023
A 28-year-old player who averages 20 points – 6 assists, NBA champion in 2019 and All-Star for the first time in his career in 2022, VanVleet ticks quite a few boxes. Especially for a franchise like Orlando which has a lot of people on the frontcourt but a little less on the back lineswith no disrespect to Markelle Fultz, Cole Anthony and Jalen Suggs.
One (or even two) of these three players that we have just mentioned could serve as bargaining chips depending on Bleacher Report, although Orlando will probably have to put a lot more into the package to try to get Fred VanVleet (kind of the draft pick, and players with expiring contracts like Terrence Ross and Gary Harris for example). Raptors boss Masai Ujiri has been clear: he won’t let go of his frames against anything other than a big reward.
The other question that must be asked in this case is the following: Can Fred VanVleet be interested in a contract extension with the Magic this summer when he becomes a free agent? Because if the answer is no, there is no interest for Orlando to let go of players or draft capital for half a season of FVV. Otherwise, the fit may not be bad, and the Magic’s healthy financial situation may allow the Florida franchise to offer a good contract to the 28-year-old point guard.
Case to follow.
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Source texte : Bleacher Report