11 Wildcard trade candidates ahead of the deadline
By Cal Durrett
NBA Trade Candidate: Fred Van Vleet
The Toronto Raptors appear ready to blow up their roster ahead of the trade deadline, and there are several players who could be moved, including All-Star guard Fred Van Vleet. Van Vleet is reportedly looking for a massive free-agent contract in the same range as Miami Heat star Tyler Herro.
Herro’s new contract is worth up to $130 million, or $32.5 million per season over the next four years, which the Raptors appear unwilling to offer this summer. Therefore, that could mean that Van Vleet may be available at the February 9th deadline.
There are a few teams that appear to be in the market for an upgrade at point guard, including the aforementioned Miami Heat and Minnesota Timberwolves. Meanwhile, other teams such as the Orlando Magic and Phoenix Suns could also seek to acquire Van Vleet, according to the Athletic’s Shams Charania (subscription required).
No team appears to be a front-runner to land him, and it is possible that Toronto plays out the season with Van Vleet as their point guard before examining their options in free agency. Still, he does at least appear to be gettable at the trade deadline.