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Fred VanVleet and the Toronto Raptors have had a disappointing season so far, as they sit just 11th in the Eastern Conference with a 20-25 record. They have not looked anywhere close to the team that managed 48 wins last season.
VanVleet’s numbers are down as well as he is averaging 18.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 1.5 steals per game on just 38.4% shooting. This has led to increased speculation that the Toronto Raptors could trade the 28-year-old All-Star before the Feb. 9 trade deadline.
VanVleet is making $21.3 million this season with a $22.8 million player option for next season. However, he is widely expected to decline that option to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
This makes VanVleet a slightly risky trade target. So whichever team trades for him would have to be confident that he will sign a long-term deal with their franchise.
The Raptors, meanwhile, appear to be on the brink of a full-scale rebuild around second-year rising star forward Scottie Barnes. If they opt to deal away their key veteran players like VanVleet, they will likely be targeting draft picks, young players and expiring contracts.
On that note, here are three of the best and most realistic potential landing spots for Fred VanVleet.
#3 Fred VanVleet to the LA Lakers
The LA Lakers may have the same record as Toronto (20-25), but still have their sights set on contending this season.
LeBron James is in his 20th season and may not have many elite years left in him. If the Lakers really want to contend, they could offer one or both of their highly-coveted 2027 and 2029 first-round picks for Fred VanVleet.
LA could use the expiring contracts of Patrick Beverley ($13 million), Lonnie Walker IV ($6.5 million) and Kendrick Nunn ($5.3 million) to match salaries. They could also include a young prospect like Austin Reaves or a big man in Thomas Bryant as the Raptors lack size.
The Lakers may even be able to get back another key Raptors rotation player like Gary Trent Jr. in a deal. However, this will likely depend on whether they are willing to offer both of their future picks.
So far, the team has been reluctant to do so.
For the LA Lakers’ full team payroll, click here.
#2 Fred VanVleet to the New Orleans Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans look poised to contend in the Western Conference this season. The team currently ranks fourth in the West with a 26-19 slate. However, they are still dealing with injuries to young stars Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. Their roster as a whole is still fairly young as well.
Fred VanVleet would offer the Pelicans another stabilizing veteran presence alongside CJ McCollum as well as some NBA championship experience. This could prove to be extremely valuable for the young team come playoff time.
New Orleans could match salaries using the contracts of players like Devonte’ Graham ($11.6 million this season) and Larry Nance Jr. ($9.7 million this season). They could also offer the Raptors young prospects such as Dyson Daniels or Trey Murphy III.
The Pelicans also have a lot of picks at their disposal and could use those to pull off a bigger trade with Toronto. This could include someone like Raptors two-way forward OG Anunoby.
For the New Orleans Pelicans’ full team payroll, click here.
#1 Fred VanVleet to the Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns are struggling big time with injuries in the backcourt, with All-Stars Chris Paul and Devin Booker currently out.
Paul has played in just 26 games this season, while Booker has played in just 29. The former is already 37 years old and has shown signs of decline when healthy.
As a result, the Suns have lost 12 of their last 14 games to fall to just 21-24 and 12th in the Western Conference.
This presents an excellent opportunity for Phoenix to trade for Fred VanVleet to make him Paul’s successor at the point guard position. If they do, they may be able to extend their championship window.
The Suns could match salaries using the expiring contracts of players like Jae Crowder ($10.2 million) and Dario Saric ($9.2 million). They could also offer Toronto a young prospect like Cameron Johnson as well as draft picks.
However, the Raptors may angle to land center Deandre Ayton in a deal, as they have been rumored to have an interest in the big man.
For the Phoenix Suns’ full team payroll, click here.
Also read: NBA Rumors: Phoenix Suns and Orlando Magic potential free agent suitors for former NBA champion
Guess the Lakers players!
