Betting on Fred: Where will VanVleet sign his next contract?

By Jordan Ketler June 16, 2023 31 mins read 226 Views

The NBA Finals have wrapped up, the Denver Nuggets have celebrated their first championship in team history and Nikola Jokic is presumably back home in Serbia with his horses. The off-season has officially arrived. So it’s time to get weird with our NBA bets.

With long time Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet opting out of his $22.8 million player option for the 2023-24 season, what better place to start than asking “where will Freddy find himself?”

FVV’s Options

Toronto Raptors -125

Houston Rockets +700

Phoenix Suns +700

Orlando Magic +850

Philadelphia 76ers +900

Los Angeles Lakers +1000

Los Angeles Clippers +1800

Portland Trail Blazers +2000

Dallas Mavericks +2200

Minnesota Timberwolves +2200

The Frontunners

Let’s start with the obvious. VanVleet has played his whole career with the Raptors and won a title with them, so you’d imagine there’s at least some loyalty between him and the team.

Toronto GM Bobby Webster has intimated that he wants to bring VanVleet back, and the Raps can pay him more and offer him more years than anyone else in the NBA. Players decline options for one reason: To get paid more on a new contract.

That’s why the Raptors are the odds-on favourite to sign their second-leading scorer this offseason. We’re here to get weird though, and betting on a -125 favourite isn’t weird enough.

I mean, if I had to bet my life, I’d go with the Raptors. But my money? Let’s at least make it fun.

The first team that jumps out to me is Philadelphia. The Sixers fired coach Doc Rivers after they were eliminated by Boston, signing former Toronto head coach Nick Nurse before the playoffs were even done. Nurse and VanVleet have a famously close relationship, and with James Harden possibly on his way out, they could be in the market for a starting point guard with playoff credentials.

That’s why Philadelphia +900 is right in that sweet spot for a silly off-season bet: I could see it happening, and the odds are long enough to be fun.

Any time a good-to-great veteran player hits the open market, you have to at least consider the Los Angeles Lakers (+1000). Even if there is zero buzz, the Lakers are a threat to land any free agent out of the blue, and in VanVleet’s case, the fit is pretty nice. The Lakers were undone by their lack of secondary offensive playmaking behind LeBron James and Anthony Davis. While Austin Reaves was and is a great story and a surprisingly impactful pick-and-roll ball handler, he’s probably a little underqualified to be the third-best player on a title contender.

VanVleet would give the Lakers a much-needed veteran point guard presence, better point-of-attack defence than anyone on their roster can provide, and despite a career-low year from downtown, another semi-reliable outside shooter. If LeBron and Co. can’t get Kyrie Irving, VanVleet is the best point guard available.

The Also-Rans

I’d be blown away if VanVleet lands in Orlando, Houston or Portland. The fit in Portland is terrible, as signing VanVleet would necessitate trading Anfernee Simons or Damian Lillard, and failure to do so would leave the Trail Blazers with three small guards they’d probably feel compelled to play together. Houston and Orlando are destinations I believe VanVleet won’t like, barring the possibility of a Godfather offer.

VanVleet is only 28, so while I don’t think he’ll be specifically ring chasing, the undrafted player from Wichita State has never struck me as someone who would chase a bigger bag at the expense of title contention. Or at least playoff contention.

That eliminates the Rockets and Magic, whose development timelines don’t mesh well with an in-his-prime VanVleet.

The Dark Horse

The Phoenix Suns have their own veteran point guard to worry about in Chris Paul, but if they let him walk, the NBA’s most top-heavy roster will need someone to replace him. As a team with clear title hopes, the Suns will not be looking for a project and they won’t be looking for yet another league average player. Phoenix could easily create the cap room to give VanVleet a sizeable raise, especially if the Suns elect to move embattled big man Deandre Ayton.

I could see an Ayton-VanVleet sign and trade, if the Raptors want to get a little younger without completely punting on the 2023-24 season. Ayton would give the Raptors their first real big man since Marc Gasol. The more I think about it, the more I convince myself it could happen, so Phoenix (+700) could be a decent mid-tier bet.

The Darkest Horse

You want a real dark horse pick? I can’t even find odds for VanVleet landing on the Oklahoma City Thunder. But when he opted out, OKC was the first destination I thought of for him.

Adding VanVleet would allow the Thunder, who were already a surprise play-in team last season, to move Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey, and Jalen Williams to the wing on defence. It would also give them another shooter around pick-and-roll actions involving either Giddey or Gilgeous-Alexander and former second-overall pick Chet Holmgren.

If Thunder GM Sam Presti decides it’s finally time to start trying to win, VanVleet could also be a culture setter, much in the way Andre Iguodala was for Golden State a decade ago. He has a wealth of playoff experience and a deep knowledge of what it takes to win in the NBA. Add that to a team made up entirely of extremely talented guys who have played their entire careers for losing squads, and you could have something really special if VanVleet can bring his fiery brand of leadership with him.

In the end, re-signing with the Raptors does seem like the most likely outcome for one of Toronto’s most beloved players. If there was more acrimony between VanVleet and the team, it might be different, but both parties appear eager to work something out.

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References:

By: Max Sussman
Title: Betting on Fred: Where will VanVleet sign his next contract?
Sourced From: www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/betting-on-fred-where-will-vanvleet-sign-his-next-contract/
Published Date: 06-16-2023

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the Raptors' first playoff series won?

Toronto won their first-ever playoff series as they defeated New York 3-2 in 2001, advancing to the Eastern Conference semifinals for the first time in franchise history under head coach Lenny Wilkens.

Why is Toronto Raptors called Raptors

The Toronto Raptors were founded in 1995 as part of the NBA's expansion into Canada. Name and logo for the team were inspired from Jurassic Park. The team colors are bright red, silver, purple, black and silver.

In the first season of Raptors basketball, the team struggled to find their footing in the league and finished with a 21-61 record. The team improved each year and they made their first playoff appearance in 1999.

The Raptors most memorable moment was 2019 when they captured their first NBA championship title. Led by the backcourt duo of Kyle Lowry and Kawhi Leonard, Toronto won their first championship in a thrilling six-game series against the Golden State Warriors.

The Raptors have been a beloved team in Canada since then. From international superstars to homegrown talents, Toronto continues to bring excitement to basketball fans around the world.

The Toronto Raptors are proud to be a part of Canada's basketball history. Their success on the court inspires young players across the country. The Raptors are a beloved team in Canada thanks to their passion, unmatched style of play and dedication to excellence.

What was the Toronto Raptors first season?

The Toronto Raptors' debut season was a disaster, with only 21 wins. The 1995-1996 Toronto Raptors season was the inaugural season of the Toronto Raptors in the National Basketball Association (NBA). The Raptors, along the Vancouver Grizzlies were two expansion teams that joined this league. It was also the first NBA season playing outside of the United States.

Isiah Tom, an All Star point guard and a Detroit Pistons legend was named the team's general manager. He was involved in the draft that produced Damon Stoudamire. He would go on to win Rookie-of-the Year. They also acquired Tracy Murray (and Oliver Miller) in separate trades. Thomas introduced a new primary logo featuring a dinosaur playing basketball, and pinstripe uniforms that featured the logo on their jerseys. The Raptors added purple and red to their color scheme.

The Raptors' debut under new head coach Brendan Malone on November 3 ended in a victory against the New Jersey Nets at the SkyDome, but they lost their next seven games.

Murray finished second on team scoring, averaging 16.2 point per game. He was also the leader with 151 3-point field goals. Miller scored 12.9 points, had 7.4 rebound, 1.4 steals and 1.9 block per game. Robertson added 9.3 point, 4.4 rebound, four assists, and two steals per night from the bench.

Despite having the worst attendance record in the league they still managed to attract over 17283 fans per match at SkyDome (now Rogers Centre).

What is the name for the Toronto Raptors' mascot, the Toronto Raptors?

The Toronto Raptors are an NBA franchise founded in 1995. They play their games at Scotiabank Arena.

Raptor is the Raptors' mascot. He is a giant, red dinosaur. Raptor has been entertaining fans since 1995 when he was introduced. He is also a regular at charity events and community initiatives in Toronto. He was awarded the NBA Mascot of the year award in 2019 for his many years of dedication to the Raptors. Raptor is a well-known figure in Toronto, as well as around the NBA. This makes him one of professional sports' most popular mascots. He is also a symbol of Canada's passion for basketball.

Many throughout the city and country share Raptor's enthusiasm for his team and its fans. Raptor is the Raptors' leader, and they have been one of most successful NBA teams since winning their first championship in 2019. This victory marked a huge milestone for basketball fans in Toronto and Canada. Raptor is a source of pride for all Raptors family members. Raptors pride is guaranteed to continue as long as the Raptors are around. Long live the Raptor. Go, Toronto Raptors!

Who are the five top Raptors per game scorers from Raptors history?

Kawhi Leonard has the highest scoring player on the team with 26.6 points per contest. Vince Carter is next with 23.4 points per minute, Mike James with 20.3, Chris Bosh at 20.2, Chris Bosh and DeMar DeRozan are following with 20.3 points each game.

Statistics

This improved during the 2006–07 regular season to an average of 18,258 fans (13th in the league), 92.2 percent capacity at the Air Canada Centre. (en.wikipedia.org)
In November of the 1996–97 season, Bitove sold his ownership interest in the team to Slaight for $65 million after Slaight had activated a shotgun clause in their partnership agreement,[32][33] giving Slaight 79 percent control of the team, [34] (en.wikipedia.org)
By 2018, estimated the Raptors were worth $1.4 billion, 12th in the NBA. (en.wikipedia.org)
Thomas named Raptors' GM NBA superstar to have 10% stake in the new franchise". (en.wikipedia.org)
Thomas named Raptors' GM NBA superstar to have 10% stake in the new franchise". (en.wikipedia.org)

External Links

How To

Tips for Where to Eat before the Toronto Raptors Game in Scotiabank Arena

Avoiding excess food before a game can be the best way to eat. If you are hungry upon arrival at the arena, there will be plenty of food available inside.

A variety of concessions can be found along the concourse, as well as the stands. You can find places that specialize in beer and others that offer hot dogs, pizzas, and burgers.

One of the most popular options is the concession stand that serves nachos. These delicious, cheesey snacks can be topped with jalapenos or cheese sauce and bacon bits.

You could also purchase tickets to a party before the game. These parties are often held in restaurants where guests can have food and drink before going into the arena.

A barbeque joint near the arena offers a great opportunity to sample the local cuisine. The menu features ribs, chicken wings, and pulled pork sandwiches.

Several fast food chains are nearby, including Tim Hortons, Subway, and McDonald's.

Walking distance from many restaurants offers healthy eating options. Freshii is one notable place. This chain offers fresh salads and wraps made from organic ingredients.

Other options include sushi bars and juice shops.

You'll find several coffee shops and ice cream parlours just across the street if you'd rather grab something to drink than eat.

There are many places to eat in Toronto, no matter what your taste buds may be. Be sure to allow yourself enough time to go through security and get to your seat.

Have fun cheering on the home team, and thanks for reading! Go Raptors! Enjoy the game