NBA Rumors: Fred VanVleet Targeted By Toronto Raptors' Eastern Rival In Free Agency

The heart and soul of the Toronto Raptors, Fred VanVleet — Mr. Bet On Yourself — could be making another one of those wagers this offseason if he opts out of his $22.82M contract for next season to become a free agent. 

And if he does, there's a report that he could follow his coach, Nick Nurse, to Toronto's Eastern Conference rival, the Philadelphia 76ers. 

Fred VanVleet has emerged as a potential replacement for James Harden in Philadelphia, per @BrettSiegelNBA pic.twitter.com/2t2qll5q5S

— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) May 31, 2023

You see, the Sixers might very well be in need of a replacement at guard, if James Harden does the expected, and flees back to his beloved Houston Rockets after his own opt-out. In that case, the Sixers (and Nurse) would presumably be all over VanVleet to come in and run the point and pair up with Joel Embiid.

According to the report from Brett Siegel, "league sources close to the organization" says that VanVleet has become a prime target for the team if they are indeed to lose Harden.

FVV, in fact, recently spoke of the "lifelong bond" he will always have with Nurse.  

"That bond that we have, that's a lifelong thing."@FredVanVleet gave his thoughts on the 76ers hiring his former coach Nick Nurse. pic.twitter.com/KbCoVNDT0l

— Stadium (@Stadium) May 30, 2023

“(Nurse) will be a breath of fresh air for (the Sixers) and anytime you’re changing head coaches, that’s pretty much what you’re looking for. A new identity, a new voice for guys to kind of rally behind. … I think he’ll have some success. Hopefully not too much if I’m not there and I’m staying in Toronto, then we want him to fail. But other than that, I am happy that he landed on his feet.” 

Will VanVleet be landing there with him? 

Photo: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports