Fred VanVleet Rumors: Raptors Are 'Very Much on the Table' with 'Big-Money' Contract

The Toronto Raptors aren't going to let Fred VanVleet walk without a fight.

Matt Moore of The Action Network reported the Raptors are preparing a "big-money offer" for their point guard ahead of the start of free agency.

VanVleet, 29, will be one of the most sought-after free agents on the market this summer. He's considered the likeliest of three top guards to switch teams, with James Harden (Philadelphia 76ers) and Kyrie Irving (Dallas Mavericks) overwhelmingly likely to remain with their incumbent teams.

The likelihood of VanVleet returning to Toronto will depend on how the Raptors front office handles the offseason.

On paper, Toronto looks primed for a rebuild. The Raptors have been stuck in neutral for the last three seasons, turning in uninspiring results on the floor while also not nose-diving enough in the standings to land a trajectory-shifting superstar in the draft.

VanVleet, Pascal Siakam and OG Anonoby are all candidates to exit Toronto this offseason, though president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri has been hesitant to rebuild in the past. Ujiri focused on talent retention and development in the immediate wake of Kawhi Leonard's departure in 2019, a decision that paid off as Siakam turned into an All-Star and VanVleet flourished.

However, there is a clear ceiling on this core of players and no obvious upward trajectory without seismic change. Signing VanVleet to a contract worth upwards of $30 million per seasno would only further constrict the Raptors' maneuverability and lock them into a roster that couldn't even make it out of the play-in tournament.

It's fair to wonder if it's time for Toronto to face the painful reality and begin a teardown.