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Free agent guard Fred VanVleet will re-sign with the Toronto Raptors on a four-year, $ 85 million contract, according to Athletic’s Shams Charania. VanVleet, 26, was one of the main players in the market. He will have an option to play in 4th year.
It’s not just a big move for the future of the Raptors, it represents one of the best development stories in the NBA. VanVleet has grown from an undrafted rookie struggling to be part of the training camp squad, to a key part of Toronto’s second unit, to a crucial part of a title team to the type of player who can order over $ 21 million per season.
Along with the Raptors, VanVleet will, for now, remain in a role he has thrived in, sharing the playing duties with Kyle Lowry and serving as the primary defender of the point of attack. His punctual shot allows him to complement Lowry and Pascal Siakam on offense, and at the other end, he’s perfect for a team that wants to force turnovers and make the opposing team guess. Hardly anyone presses the ball like VanVleet does, and aside from Lowry, hardly anyone his size is as good at defending their wings.
VanVleet could have chosen to sign with a different team and be given more offensive responsibility in the short term. However, that would almost certainly have resulted in more casualties, and staying in Toronto means he can gradually grow into a busier role as Lowry ages. In terms of leadership, VanVleet already has a huge role with the Raptors.
Leading up to free agency, Malcolm Brogdon’s contract with the Indiana Pacers last season was a popular point of comparison. VanVleet agreed to the same terms as Brogdon, but it was structured to give Toronto more free agency ceiling space next year. VanVleet’s salary will drop eight percent in the second season, by Michael Grange from Sportsnet.
If the Raptors had lost VanVleet, they would have been in an awkward position going forward. This deal is a fair deal for both parties, and it solidifies their backcourt for the foreseeable future. Now they can turn their attention to the central position – Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka remain unrestricted free agents.
The New York Knicks, another VanVleet contender, are now examining free agent point guards Jeff Teague and Elfrid Payton, according to New York Postby Marc Berman.
VanVleet averaged 17.6 points, 6.6 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 1.9 steals in 35.7 minutes last season.
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