NBA Rumors: 2 Teams Emerge As Suitors For Fred VanVleet

“I’m completely focused on this team," says Fred VanVleet of his Toronto Raptors. "My loyalty is to this team and to this franchise and trying to get us back to the level that we’re accustomed to around here.” 

VanVleet has been the heart and soul of the Raptors for years now, the unquestioned team leader since Kyle Lowry left the scene. But he'll become a free agent after this season once he opts out of his contract, and according to a new report by NBA Insider Shams Charania, two teams have emerged as suitors for FVV.

The Magic and Suns will likely pursue Fred VanVleet in 2023 free agency, per @ShamsCharania. pic.twitter.com/JhVj9A4VKu

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) January 17, 2023

The Orlando Magic and Phoenix Suns are expected to come calling. But with the Raptors teetering on the edge of being sellers at the trade deadline, could something happen with one of these teams even sooner?

The Suns are in dire need of some help, as their place among the Western Conference elite has been slipping badly this season, to the point of desperation. Injuries have ravaged the roster, and they sit at 21-24, in 12th spot in the West. 

The Magic are in a rebuild of their own right now, and have a load of talent in the frontcourt, but would love to add a team leader like VanVleet to lead the troops.

According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, FVV could be in line for a contract in the range of $30-$35M annually. 

Photo: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports