Report: Fred VanVleet is Unlikely to Return to the Raptors as He's 'Very Desired' in Free Agency

The Toronto Raptors are not expected to re-sign Fred VanVleet as the 29-year-old point guard heads into free agency as a "desirable" target

Fred VanVleet’s days as a Toronto Raptors may be coming to an end.

Considering the lackluster strength of this year’s free agency class, multiple are reportedly lining up to acquire VanVleet this summer and it’s becoming less likely he’ll be back as a Raptors next season, Matt Moore of The Action Network told the JD Bunkis Podcast.

“I would be pretty surprised at this point given what I’ve heard if Fred VanVleet were to return given that he's got pretty significant offers,” Moore said. “He's very, very desired on the market.”

VanVleet is expected to sign a contract with an annual value of roughly $30 million, according to Yahoo’s Jake Fischer.

There aren’t many teams that will be able to sign VanVleet outright without a sign-and-trade. Houston is one team that’s been linked to the 29-year-old who does have the cap space to make such a move. The Rockets have been “strongly linked” to VanVleet on a short-term deal, Moore said.

Philadelphia’s interest is unclear with conflicting reports on their desire to bring in VanVleet. For the 76ers, a VanVleet deal would require a sign-and-trade regardless of where James Harden ends up. It’s possible they’d look at a deal involving Tobias Harris even if Harden re-signs, Moore added.

With Gary Trent Jr.’s decision to opt in to his contract, the Raptors sit about $51 million below the luxury tax threshold. It’s unlikely they’ll be able to re-sign VanVleet and Jakob Poeltl while remaining under the luxury tax line without making a cost-saving trade this summer.

Further Reading

Raptors Talk Draft Philosophy, Trade Options, & 2023 Class Strengths Ahead of NBA Draft

Gary Trent Jr. Opts Into Raptors Contract, Extension Talks Expected to Begin, per Reports

Fred VanVleet's Next Contract is Expected to Surpass $90 Million in Free Agency