Re-Signing Fred VanVleet Will Have A Huge Impact on the Raptors Future

 

The Raptors don’t need Kawhi Leonard. They have Fred VanVleet. 

As a reminder, FVV is the only reason Kawhi didn’t receive a unanimous NBA Finals MVP award last year. This offseason should be an interesting time for Mr. “Bet on Yourself”, who’s stock has been rising since he was signed as an undrafted free agent out of Wichita State. VanVleet got his championship ring, followed it up with an impressive 2019-2020 season and is now set up to get paid. 

Coming off a 2-year contract extension signed in 2018 that earned him $18M, he is set for a huge pay increase – think $15M-$20M per season. 

This raises an interesting question - How serious are the Raptors about the Giannis sweepstakes? As per John Hollinger of The Athletic, if they sign FVV to a contract in $20M/year range, they may very well take themselves out of the running for the Greek Freak. Are they willing to bet on Freddie over Giannis?

When FVV signed his last deal, Masai Ujiri showed nothing but love. The Raptors President was quoted saying “I love Freddie. I hope I don’t get fined for saying that, but I love Freddie. He’s our player and I love him.” 

Given Masai’s track record of re-signing "his guys", you can bet on FVV staying in the 6ix for a long time.

Photo credit:  Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire