“Lakers, Timberwolves Eyeing Fred VanVleet Trade With Raptors Ahead of NBA Deadline”
Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images
Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet has attracted significant interest in the NBA and is considered the “most likely” Raptors player to be traded before Thursday’s deadline, according to Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer.
The Los Angeles Clippers, Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Lakers, Orlando Magic and Minnesota Timberwolves have all been listed as potential landing spots for VanVleet.
The 28-year-old is currently averaging 19.7 points, 6.5 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game in the 2022-23 season, even though the Raptors are only 25-30 on the season and ranked 10th in the Eastern Conference prove.
Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby and Toronto’s Gary Trent Jr. have also attracted interest ahead of the deadline, according to Fischer.
VanVleet might still be the easiest move as a potential offseason free agent. The Guardian has a $22.8 million player option for 2023-24.
Opposing teams could hire the 28-year-old on a short-term basis to help out this year or sign him on a long-term deal.
The point guard showed he can make a difference for a top team, earning an All-Star selection last year averaging 20.3 points and 6.7 assists per game. In 2019, VanVleet played a key role in helping the Raptors win their first NBA title.
The Lakers, Clippers and Suns, three teams involved in the Kyrie Irving sweepstakes, can still find impact protection for the second half of the season.
In addition to LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers could use another differentiator. Los Angeles is currently just 25-29, 13th in the Western Conference, but the squad has no interest in tanking and will be aggressive in hopes of climbing the standings.
The Clippers could also benefit from the addition of a true point guard to lead offense alongside Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.
Minnesota could add VanVleet as a replacement for D’Angelo Russell, who has been up and down this season. The Timberwolves had high expectations after adding Rudy Gobert in the offseason, but the team currently sit only seventh in the West.
Source: bleacherreport.com
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