Raptors’ VanVleet declines player option, will become free agent: report
Posted June 12, 2023 3:44 pm.
Last Updated June 12, 2023 4:51 pm.
Toronto Raptors star point guard Fred VanVleet will become an unrestricted free agent in July after declining his player option of $22.8 million for the 2023-24 season, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports.
Reporting on Fred VanVleet’s free agency for NBA Today pic.twitter.com/g6x6mymXBs
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 12, 2023
Wojnarowski says VanVleet hasn’t ruled out working out a new deal with the Raptors, but he could become an attractive target for a contender. A sign-and-trade is also possible, Wojnarowski says, likely involving teams with limited cap space.
In August of 2021, the Raptors worked a sign-and-trade with the Miami Heat involving Kyle Lowry that saw Toronto acquire forward Precious Achiuwa and Goran Dragić.
The undrafted VanVleet has played his entire seven-year career with the Raptors, helping Toronto win the NBA title in 2019.
VanVleet, 29, was an all-star for the first time in 2021-22 before his numbers took a slight dip this past season. VanVleet averaged 19.3 points on 39.3 per cent shooting from the field to go along with 7.2 assists.
According to Wojnarowski, several teams expressed interest in acquiring VanVleet at the NBA Trade Deadline, but a deal was not reached. Those teams are expected to pursue VanVleet in free agency.
VanVleet last signed an extension with the Raptors in November 2020 after agreeing to a four-year, $85-million deal.
Former Raptors coach Nick Nurse took some criticism for regularly giving heavy minutes to VanVleet, who was fifth in the league averaging 36.7 minutes. Nurse was recently hired by the Philadelphia 76ers.
VanVleet holds Raptors single-game records for points (54) and assists (20).
The Raptors still await a decision on Gary Trent Jr. and his $18.8 million player option for this season.
Toronto and President Masai Ujiri will introduce new head coach Darko Rajakovic on Tuesday afternoon.
Since 2014, Rajakovic, 44, has been an assistant coach in the NBA with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns and Memphis Grizzlies.
