NBA Trade Rumors: New York Knicks & Two Other Teams Interested in Toronto Raptors’ Fred VanVleet

The Toronto Raptors have swept the Brooklyn Nets in dramatic fashion. This is the first time in the Raptors’ franchise history that they are going 4-0 against a team in the Playoffs. This was made possible by the brilliance of Fred VanVleet, who carried the Raptors in the first three games. Now, reports have surfaced that several teams are interested in signing the 26-year-old. 

Fred VanVleet’s story is inspirational. He declared himself eligible for the 2016 NBA draft, but no team picked him up. Carrying the disappointment on his back, he worked harder and signed with the Raptors in the same year. 

After four years of pledging loyalty to Toronto, we just might see VanVleet packing his bags and head to a different destination next season. Twitter page Hoop Central posted an attention-grabbing status involving VanVleet and three other NBA teams. 

According to Shams Charania of ‘The Athletic,’ the New York Knicks, Phoenix Suns, and the Detroit Pistons are all interested in signing Fred VanVleet.  This comes on the back of the fact that VanVleet’s contract with the Raptors ends in 2020, making him an unrestricted free agent. 

VanVleet earned roughly $600,000 in his first contract in 2016. Now, his base salary is $9.3 million for the 2019/20 season. That might paint a clear picture of how the 6’1” point guard has thrived in the league. 

All three teams are potentially targeting VanVleet in the 2020 free-agency, according to Charania. Each of them could do really well with a talent like VanVleet on the court. However, nothing concrete has happened yet.

Fred VanVleet might have to choose between these three destinations as his future in the NBA. Where do you think he will be playing next season? 

Fred VanVleet’s epic performance for the Toronto Raptors in the first round 

The Raptors have a deep and talented lineup. A dangerous proof of that was on display in Game 4 against the Nets. The Raptors’ bench players combined to score 100 of the team’s 150 total points in the game, becoming the first-ever team to do so.

Moreover, VanVleet put on a show in the first three games. He kick-started the Raptors’ playoff campaign by scoring 30.0 points and grabbing 11.0 assists in Game 1. He created many magical moments throughout the series to propel the Raptors to an easy first-round sweep. 

Fred VanVleet is currently averaging 21.2 points and 7.7 assist in the playoffs. There is a lot more to come from the Raptors in the postseason. They face the Boston Celtics in the second round, which will be no walk in the park. Can VanVleet once again shine bright to give Raptors ample confidence in the Eastern Conference semi-finals?