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5 important goals for the Toronto Raptors this offseason

By Holden Walter-Warner

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 31: De'Andre Hunter #12 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after hitting a three-point basket agains the Toronto Raptors during the first half at State Farm Arena on January 31, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 31: De'Andre Hunter #12 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after hitting a three-point basket agains the Toronto Raptors during the first half at State Farm Arena on January 31, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Raptors
TORONTO, ON – JANUARY 7: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles against the Utah Jazz during the first half of their basketball game at the Scotiabank Arena on January 7, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images) /

5 important goals for the Toronto Raptors this offseason: 4. Hand Fred VanVleet an extension

Guard Fred VanVleet becomes eligible for an extension this offseason. As one of the team’s most important players, the Raptors should give VanVleet an extension rather than risk him testing the market in a year.

VanVleet’s narrative is impeccable. He went from undrafted out of Wichita State to one of the best guards in the NBA, an anchor for a team that won a championship a few years ago. He’s the soul of the team.

That being said, VanVleet’s play speaks for itself. He averaged 20.3 points and 6.7 assists per game this season, both career-high marks. His 87.4 percent mark from the charity stripe was also a career-high.

In addition to ranking in the top 20 in assists in each of the past three seasons, VanVleet has also spent them in the top 20 in steals, averaging 1.7 per game last year. His value also derives from how much run he gets, finishing second in minutes per game in each of the past two years.

VanVleet may not be ascending for much longer. While he made his first All-Star appearance this season, he did turn 28 years old a few months back. At some point, his play will begin to decline.

But that probably won’t happen in the next three to four years. The Raptors can get him on the books for the next three years at about $88 million or tack on an additional year if VanVleet declines his 2023-24 player option. For the Raptors, bringing him back should be a no-brainer.

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