Trading Fred VanVleet: The Potential Benefits
The Toronto Raptors are currently in a spot where trading Fred VanVleet could yield some favourable results. Despite being an All-Star last year, VanVleet has seen his overall efficiency drop this season and is set to become an unrestricted free agent following the expiration of his player option at the end of this season. With Toronto looking less likely to be championship contenders this year, it may make sense to look into trading VanVleet for multiple picks that could help build their team around Pascal Siakam. We can't deny it as Raptors' fans: trading Fred VanVleet might be the key to securing the Toronto Raptors' future.
The Toronto Raptors have an essential decision to make. While trading Fred VanVleet could net them some draft picks and help their team in the long run, letting him walk may mean taking a "gamble" on their chances of making it work with the current big 3. What are the risks and benefits of trading away Fred VanVleet? A look into decision-making and the success of the Toronto Raptors.
Do the Raptors think they can keep Fred, OG and Pascal together while keeping Scottie? Or do they take a chance to start another path with different personnel?
Considering the current trade market and the craziness that comes with it, now is the perfect time for Toronto to take advantage of VanVleet's value. The Raptors have many opportunities, with teams eyeing him as a potential centrepiece in a blockbuster trade. It's an exciting opportunity for Toronto as well as VanVleet himself. The right move here could see them come out on top if they find teams ready to offer top-notch returns in return for their talents. This is where thoughtful decision-making will come into play—ultimately deciding the outcome of this likely trade situation. Calculating and carefully-thought out decisions will directly affect the Raptors' chances of coming out on top in a high-stakes trade opportunity involving Fred VanVleet. Something that Masai knows well.
It’s an important choice that could define the franchise’s future: one path leads to short-term success but long-term uncertainty, while the other opens up the potential for a stronger foundation and a more prosperous future. It’s unlikely that the Raptors will get it right every time, but making thoughtful choices ensures they won’t remain behind their opponents in talent and skills. Masai Ujiri and Bobby Webster are great at making tough decisions, but this may be one of the toughest. The Raptors must choose their next move wisely to ensure long-term success.
Raptors' 6'8"-6'9" vision
The Toronto Raptors have something unique that very few teams possess; the vision to field a roster of all 6'8" or taller players. With current players Fred VanVleet and Malachi Flynn being the only exceptions, this might be a perfect opportunity for the franchise to make moves to pursue that vision further.
How can the Toronto Raptors use their 6'8"+ vision to dominate the court?
On paper, this could help provide more defensive versatility on the floor and offer a different style of play than one might typically see from an NBA team. While in actuality, it will take some time to determine if all of these changes can come together cohesively on the court and if they’ll help lift this team to even greater heights. One thing is for sure, the right combination of players can take an NBA team to unprecedented heights.
The real question is, does a 6'8"-6'9" lineup truly make sense for the Raptors? It might be an opportunity for them to explore an unconventional approach. But it's also important to remember that predictability wins out in most cases when push comes to shove. Weighing the pros and cons of a tall roster requires considerable thought, as there are numerous implications to consider. Does it give the team stronger defensive capabilities or provide more roadblocks on offence? Is the size too much of a disadvantage in certain matchups with explosive smaller guards who can shoot over you and take you off the dribble?
The question remains don't you need a true point guard?
The onslaught of stretch forwards and traditional bigs taking on the role of point guards has dominated the NBA landscape in recent years. But there’s still a defence being presented that this may not be sustainable in the long run, as evident with the Raptors' struggles from deep this year. Teams can use this approach to neutralize the threat of point-forward players in the NBA.
One can argue that a 68"-6'9" lineup may lack shooting, which will be exposed when teams sit in that zone. There needs to be a way to make up for this shooting deficiency, or else it could have drastic consequences for the Raptors, who have implemented this strategy without adequately preparing for future contingencies.
It takes courage to embrace change, but it takes skill and preparation to ensure that this pioneering approach is adaptable enough to survive long enough to compete with those better prepared. Masai pioneered a revolutionary approach equipped for long-term success in an ever-evolving NBA.
The game is changing; however, we can’t lose sight of the fact that having a nationally renowned floor general can make or break any team's success. Point guards with sound decision-making skills and shooting prowess remain essential to have a chance at winning it all. Having a great point guard can increase your chances of winning the championship.
You no longer need just a 6'8" lineup with little dimensional fluidity. Instead, teams are starting to maximize lineup versatility with balance, giving them great offensive and defensive options.
Raptors need to be smart about this!
Making smart decisions is the way to long-term success. And any successful franchise must constantly ask hard questions about its approach and be willing to make changes for growth. The challenge facing Ujiri and his team right now is equally as tricky as all other decisions: choosing between keeping Fred or trading him away. Smart decisions are essential for long-term success and are why the right choice must be made to ensure franchise growth.
No one can be sure what will happen before the trade deadline. Still, trading VanVleet would inevitably be what the Raptors need to build around Pascal Siakam, OG or Scottie Barnes. Knowing that they might be running out of time with their current big 3, trading him now could unlock much-needed capital and shape how the Raptors move forward in the next few years.
