Toronto Raptors: 3 players not likely to return in 2020-21
1. Fred VanVleet
Like the previous two goners, Fred VanVleet is an unrestricted free agent. Unlike them, however, VanVleet is the most likely to leave on his own accord.
The point guard out of Wichita State has been on a steady upwards trajectory after going undrafted in 2016. He barely cracked the rotation during his rookie season, but gradually received more playing time in his second and third seasons.
As a full-time starter for the first time in his career, VanVleet finally broke through for good this year. He’s averaging 17.6 points and 6.6 assists per game, both career-high marks. His usage is also through the roof, demonstrating just how important he is to the team.
Of course, that means he could be just as important to any other team in the NBA. Elite point guards are always at a premium in the league, and while VanVleet hasn’t hit All-Star status yet, he may be just a year or two away.
He might be the best point guard on the market by a wide margin this summer – the New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons might trip over one another trying to pay him top dollar.
Next. Raptors restrict Bobby Webster. dark
The Raptors would love to have Fred VanVleet back and continue to build around him and Pascal Siakam. Sharks are in the water, though, and the money elsewhere may be too good for the point guard to turn down.