It looks like the Toronto Raptors won’t be able to get an inside free agent.
According to Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus, Toronto’s Fred VanVleet (guard, 185cm, 89kg) and Gary Trent Jr. (guard-forward, 196cm, 95kg) will not stay.스포츠토토
Since Toronto won its first championship in 2019, it has broken up with the existing strategy sequentially. Kawhi Leonard (Clippers) left the team right after the championship, and Kyle Lowry (Miami) also changed his uniform with a sign & trade. This time, it is not expected to be with VanVleet and Trent.
Toronto has already parted ways with coach Nick Nulls (Philadelphia) this summer. As there was a difference of opinion on the development of players, it was decided to find a new leader. Not only was the power reinforcement not clear, but internal crackdowns were also difficult. As a result, it is likely that Van Vleet or Trent, whose ransom has risen, will transfer. Reporter Mark Stein of The Stein Line also reported that they would not be staying.
These two received a lot of attention ahead of the trade deadline this season. Since he has a player option after the season, it is in fact an expiring contract, so there was not a little interest in the market. But Toronto held on to high terms, and the deal didn’t close before the deadline. They tried to advance to the playoffs without letting them go, but suffered the loss of elimination in the play-in tournament.
VanVleet is a guard in his heyday and has significant value in the market. Kyrie Irving (Dallas) and D’Angelo Russell (Lakers) are all on the market. However, Irving, the largest fish, has a lot of uncertainty and is not easy to manage. Russell has the downside of having ups and downs, but he has to offer a contract worth around $30 million per year. As much as the burden is high, if you want to reinforce the backcourt, it is likely that you will aim for Van Bullet.
He turned down a Toronto extension prior to this season. Toronto offered a four-year, $114 million contract before the season, but could not reach an agreement. As he has not accepted contracts under $30 million per year, VanVleet is expected to be looking for larger contracts in the market. Or, it may not have been very satisfying to continue playing in Toronto.
In 69 games this season, he recorded 19.3 points (.393 .342 .898), 4.1 rebounds, 7.2 assists and 1.8 steals in 36.7 minutes per game. In his last season, he averaged over 20 points for the first time in his career, and was honored with his first All-Star selection since entering the NBA. Consistently active this season, he showed off his team’s flagship level by raising an average of 19+ points for three consecutive seasons.
Trent did his part too. Heading to Toronto by trade during the 2020-2021 season, he consistently led the attack with Pascal Siakam and Van Vleet as the main shooting guard. This season, he posted 17.4 points (.433 .369 .839) 2.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 66 games, averaging 32.1 minutes per game. This season, however, he has also come off the bench intermittently.
Trent, now in his mid-twenties, is expected to receive attention from the market. As he is relatively young compared to other free agents, it is only natural that he be in the limelight. It’s hard to evaluate because it’s a big fish, but it’s enough to help a team that wants to add offense. Expect to be looking for more than $20 million per year, which is higher than the previous contract ($51.8 million over three years).