Multiple Teams Are Looking At A Raptors Star

On Jan 17, 2023

Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors celebrates his three point shot during the second half at Madison Square Garden on January 16, 2023 in New York City. The Toronto Raptors defeated the New York Knicks 123-121 in overtime. — (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

The NBA trade deadline is in just a few weeks and there is a chance that the Toronto Raptors could look very different after it passes.

Obviously, things need to change for the Raptors.

They are 11th in the East right now with a lacking 20-24 record.

This is a far cry from where they stood last season and they are now fighting to just make the play-in tournament.

There are several athletes who could be dealt away from the team before the trade deadline.

However, one player to pay attention to now, after the trade deadline, and in the summer is Fred VanVleet.

For years now, VanVleet has been the heart and soul of the team but he could be leaving.

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

Shams Charania is reporting that the Phoenix Suns and Orlando Magic have emerged as potential free-agent suitors for VanVleet.

Therefore, if the team starts making some big moves in the next few weeks and begins a rebuilding process, you can expect to see VanVleet head for the door when free agency begins.

He might even be traded before that.

VanVleet Vanishing From The North

VanVleet hasn’t had a great season so far and his numbers have diminished.

This doesn’t help his standing with the Raptors as he approaches his upcoming player option in the summer.

For his part, VanVleet seems to have cooled on the idea of sticking around in Toronto and might want to see what other teams have to offer.

The fact that the Suns are thinking about pursuing VanVleet shows that they are starting to look at a post-Chris Paul world and want a reliable replacement for him.

The Raptors could rebound and VanVleet may be convinced to stick around.

However, right now it sounds like he could be headed down to the United States when the summer arrives.

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