NBA Rumors: 'Murmurs' Magic Offer Fred VanVleet 'a Lot' of Money in Free Agency

Amid speculation that he could be moved before the Feb. 9 trade deadline, Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet has drawn the attention of an up-and-coming Eastern Conference team when he hits free agency this summer.

On the latest episode of The Hoop Collective Podcast (starts at 7:30 mark), ESPN's Tim MacMahon said there are "murmurs" the Orlando Magic will be willing to "throw a lot of money" at VanVleet in the offseason.

The Raptors have been the most talked-about team leading up to the Feb. 9 trade deadline. They don't seem to be a playoff contender this season with a 23-30 record, but there's been no indication at this point they are going to be active sellers.

One high-ranking league executive told Josh Lewenberg of TSN.ca earlier this week they "would be shocked" if the Raptors didn't do anything.

OG Anunoby seems to be the subject of most rumors coming out of Toronto. NBA insiders Marc Stein and Chris Haynes said on a recent episode of their podcast that the New Orleans Pelicans and Memphis Grizzlies are making a strong run at acquiring the 25-year-old.

"New Orleans and Memphis are two teams that, if they want to get in on Anunoby, either one of those teams could make a really compelling offer," Stein said (h/t Kyle Irving of the Sporting News).

Haynes added those two clubs could be boxing each other out because neither one wants the other to get Anunoby.

MacMahon said on Monday's episode of The Lowe Post podcast (starts at the 29:15 mark) that the Los Angeles Clippers are looking for a point guard, and they would prefer VanVleet to Mike Conley.

If VanVleet gets to free agency, the Magic would be an ideal destination for what they need. He has a $22.8 million player option for next season.

Markelle Fultz and Cole Anthony have been effective for the team this season, but they need a higher level of play at point guard to take steps forward.

Orlando already has two cornerstone players in Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner to build around. The roster only needs a few minor adjustments to become a playoff contender.

VanVleet is averaging 19.5 points per game in 44 starts this season. He is on pace to average more than six assists per game for the fourth consecutive season. The Magic haven't had a player average 6.0 assists per game in a season since Elfrid Payton in 2017-18.