Raptors Rumors: Insider Confirms "League-Wide" Belief on VanVleet's Future

The Toronto Raptors were starting to feel like a team that just wanted to 'run it back' with most of their core pieces intact this summer. However, new intel has emerged indicating that the odds of top free agent Fred VanVleet re-upping in Toronto have dropped considerably. In fact, Insider Marc Stein said he almost certainly will be taking the insane offer that will be put in front of him by the Houston Rockets.  

“It has reached the point when I speak to various teams that it would be a legitimate leaguewide surprise now if Fred VanVleet doesn't strike verbal agreements to join the Houston Rockets by Friday night. VanVleet, is expected to receive 2 YR/$83.6M”

-via Marc Stein pic.twitter.com/fI9Xg7HeAd

— . (@GTJGotNext) June 29, 2023

“It has reached the point," writes Stein, "when I speak to various teams that it would be a legitimate leaguewide surprise now if Fred VanVleet doesn't strike verbal agreements to join the Houston Rockets by Friday night. VanVleet is expected to receive 2 YR/$83.6M” from the cap space loaded team. 

The 29-year-old has spent his entire 7-year career in Toronto after the Raptors signed him as an undrafted free agent out of Wichita State. He's become the heart and soul of the Raptors, a team leader on and off the floor, and is a former All-Star. He's averaging right around 20 points per game over the last three seasons, with just under seven assists. 

Toronto may have to resort to Plan B at point guard if VanVleet leaves, and one option is already surfacing. 

Keep an eye on Toronto providing Gabe Vincent with a landing spot if Fred VanVleet ultimately departs from the Raptors, per @JakeLFischer pic.twitter.com/RYA083S0wA

— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) June 29, 2023

Insider Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports says to "keep an eye on Toronto providing (Miami Heat free agent point guard) Gabe Vincent with a landing spot" if FVV departs. But other reports have Miami hoping to re-sign Vincent. 

The machinations are churning in overdrive as we approach the start of free agency on Friday at 6pm et. 

Photo: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports