NBA Rumors: Insider Links 8 Teams To Fred VanVleet

The Toronto Raptors briefly righted the ship Wednesday night with a victory in Sacramento, but they're still expected to make a big move or two come the trade deadline in two weeks. One of the names that could be on the move is All-Star guard Fred VanVleet. 

And according to Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report, he is heavily in demand, with no less than eight teams mentioned as suitors. Haynes names the Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns, Washington Wizards and the Orlando Magic as teams that have interest in FVV.

He notes that the 28-year-old will not come cheaply, as "the [Raptors are] asking for a premium for their talent."

The Lakers got a vote from the crew at ESPN Thursday morning, as the team that should step forward from that group. 

Fred VanVleet to the Lakers? 🤔 @RealJayWilliams

"I think Fred VanVleet can be one of the missing links for this team that can add to everybody personnel wise on their roster." pic.twitter.com/dDr5HBru8R

— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) January 26, 2023

Fred VanVleet to the Lakers? 🤔 @RealJayWilliams

"I think Fred VanVleet can be one of the missing links for this team that can add to everybody personnel-wise on their roster," said Jay Williams. 

Haynes suggests that the Orlando Magic "may be willing to consolidate their ball-handling guards... by using one or two of Cole Anthony, Jalen Suggs and Markelle Fultz as bait" in a trade offer for VanVleet. 

FVV has a $22.8M option for next season, but he's indicated pretty strongly that he'll be declining that option to become a free agent. The buzz is that he'll be looking for a contract averaging north of $30M/year, on a four-year deal.  

The Raptors' sparkplug is averaging 19.1 points, his 3rd straight season at that mark or higher, along with 6.3 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 1.6 steals. He's also in the Top 10 in the league in deflections. His three-point shooting has taken a hit this season, down to just 34.1% (career mark of 37.6%).

VanVleet has proven himself as a championship-caliber playoff performer, and those handful of contending teams listed above will certainly be checking in on him. 

Photo: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports