Free Agent PG Fred VanVleet a 'Win-Now' Move for Magic?
A move many anticipated throughout the NBA season, Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet declined his $22.8 million player option on Monday per ESPN - making him an unrestricted free agent this July.
VanVleet, a former All Star and NBA Champion, can still re-sign with Toronto if he chooses, but the move allows him to test the waters and likely receive a lucrative contract.
For the Orlando Magic, a team that has shown interest stemming all the way to last season's trade deadline, it now has the opportunity to pounce at the 29-year-old.
"Granted, the team's decision-making should center solely around what is best for reigning Rookie of the Year winner Paolo Banchero and younger players like Jalen Suggs and Franz Wagner," Bleacher Report writes. "Signing VanVleet is a win-now move on a roster that is perhaps ready to take the next step, but far from being a title contender.
"But if VanVleet is chasing the biggest possible payday and the chance to run the offense as the veteran leader, Orlando could be in play."
With a projected $22 million in cap space along with a pair of lottery selections in this year's NBA Draft, there is a chance Orlando wouldn't need to rid roster pieces to snag VanVleet in a sign-and-trade. However, to land one of this year's most sought after free agents, the price tag won't be cheap.
VanVleet could return to the Raptors on a max contract of roughly $40 million per season, but is more likely to receive in the range of $28-$30 million over a three-to-four year span.
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