Fred VanVleet’s enigmatic search for a new basketball home could be solved by the legendary Los Angeles Lakers. But, NBA writer Mark Medina speculates that the Lakers might not be eager to forgo their roster depth in order to sign him.
With Dennis Schroeder, D’Angelo Russell, and Lonnie Walker IV presently holding down the point-guard position, the 17-time NBA champs have a lot to think about in the approaching off-season. All three of them will be free agents come the off-season.
VanVleet’s contract situation with Raptors
This summer, Fred VanVleet is expected to receive a sizable salary. The Toronto Raptors guard reportedly expects to accept a deal worth upwards of $90 million over three seasons after deciding not to exercise his $22.8 million player option for the forthcoming season, according to Yahoo’s Fischer.
Fred VanVleet opts out of contract with Toronto Raptors https://t.co/2bA8jqDvlr #Toronto #Raptors
— blogTO (@blogTO) June 12, 2023
VanVleet had a four-year, whopping $114 million contract option this past season. Nevertheless, he and the Raptors decided against signing it. The yearly compensation would have been $28.5 million under that deal. Instead, VanVleet will enter the open market this summer with his new counsel at Klutch Sports, where he is one of the most sought-after free agents available.
The Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns, Houston Rockets, and Orlando Magic are a few teams who might be interested in VanVleet. The Raptors’ general manager, Bobby Webster, said that VanVleet is still a target for Toronto and that the team is hoping he will play there again next year.
Why Lakers should strongly consider VanVleet option?
After being swept by Denver in the Western Conference finals, the LA Lakers are allegedly trying to improve their backcourt this offseason. The outstanding point guard for the Toronto Raptors, Fred VanVleet, has been connected to the Los Angeles Lakers. If VanVleet left Toronto in free agency, the Lakers are one of several clubs interested in signing him, according to Michael Scotto:
“After a mutual decision by VanVleet and the Raptors to hold off extension talks that would’ve potentially landed him a four-year, $114 million contract, which is considered below his market value, Toronto remains in the mix to re-sign the 2022 All-Star guard,” Scotto penned.
He also added: “However, several other teams, including the Rockets, Lakers, Suns, and Magic, have been linked to VanVleet as potential suitors, while other playoff-caliber teams could emerge as sign-and-trade options.”
A longer-term contract worth around $30 million per year is anticipated for him. Hence, if LA wants to acquire the star guard, a sign-and-trade arrangement will need to be made. In a sign-and-trade for VanVleet, Scotto suggested Lakers combo guard D’Angelo Russell as a potential recipient to be sent to Toronto.
Overall the disposition is since Fred VanVleet would fill their need for a starting point guard, the Lakers should seriously explore making a move for him.
