It appears as though all-star point guard Fred VanVleet’s days with the Raptors are coming to an end.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wonjnarowski, VanVleet has declined his $22.8 million US player option for 2023-24 and will become an unrestricted free agent in July.
VanVleet’s departure comes as no surprise; when the 29-year-old signed a four-year, $85 million deal back in November of 2020, many speculated that he would opt out once the contract expired unless he suffered a major injury or his performance significantly declined during the contract period — neither of which occurred.
Reporting on Fred VanVleet’s free agency for NBA Today pic.twitter.com/g6x6mymXBs
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 12, 2023
Wojnarowski said that VanVleet has not ruled out the possibility of negotiating a new contract with the Raptors, however VanVleet has emerged as one of the top 3-point shooters, which makes him on e of the most coveted free agents in the NBA.
According to Wojnarowski, VanVleet has not disregarded the possibility of negotiating a new contract with the Raptors. However, his exceptional skills make him an enticing prospect for contending teams in the league.
The news marks the most recent addition to a series of significant changes for the Raptors. They parted ways with former head coach Nick Nurse in April and recently brought on board Darko Rajakovic, a former Grizzlies assistant, this past Saturday.
After four years at Wichita State, VanVleet joined the Toronot Raptors in 2016 as an undrafted free agent. His breakout season came in 2019, when he played a pivotal role in Toronto’s historic journey to their first-ever franchise championship. During the finals against the Golden State Warriors, VanVleet averaged 14 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.2 assists.
The Raptors are still awaiting a decision regarding Gary Trent Jr. and his player option worth $18.8 million for the upcoming season.
