NBA Roundtable: Can the Raptors hang on to Fred VanVleet?

BetAmerica has teamed up with Covers and Oddschecker to break down the latest news and trends from around the Association. This week NBA columnists Jason Logan, Sam Farley and Ryan Murphy discuss Fred VanVleet’s next contract, the Grizzlies bright future, and Luka Doncic’s all-world game.

Fred VanVleet has earned himself a monster payday with his stellar play in Orlando. Where do you expect him to end up next season?

Jason: Fred can draw some serious cash if he continues to show up in the playoffs. The New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons and Miami Heat are all rumored to be in the mix, but I think he stays north of the border. Toronto should pay him, and his grit and experience (he got a Finals MVP vote last year) is worth the wager. Raptors fans can’t take another standout bailing for free agent riches. 

Sam: I don’t think he’s going to be staying in Toronto. As an unrestricted free agent he really has earned a payday and the Raptors just won’t have the cap room to pay him what he deserves. I think he was great last year, and will always be a legend in Toronto for his performances down the stretch, but I’m still not convinced he’s a guy you’d want to break the bank for. So in that sense, I’d consider his signing a potential bad move, which probably makes it inevitable that he ends up with the Knicks. That wouldn’t really be a bad move for New York given he’s an upgrade at point guard and his arrival could help unlock the potential of RJ Barrett.

Ryan: I would be shocked if Toronto lets VanVleet walk. Kyle Lowry may be the face of the franchise, but VanVleet and Pascal Siakam are its future. Both players are just 26 and have grown into bona fide stars in their four seasons together. I fully expect the Raptors to back up the Brinks truck and reward VanVleet handsomely, even if it means cutting ties with Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka, both of whom are on expiring deals.

The Memphis Grizzlies and Phoenix Suns both showed flashes of greatness in the bubble. Which team is set up to have a brighter future over the next three years?

Jason: I like the Grizzlies to continue to blossom over the next few seasons. Memphis had something cooking before COVID-19 shut everything down, and Ja Morant proved he’s capable of carrying the franchise – even playing the final bubble games with a broken finger. That and Suns star Devin Booker may get caught up in the Kardashian/Jenner jinx. Watch out!

Sam: I’m going to try my hardest not to let recency bias cloud my judgement. We’ve spoken in glowing terms about Devin Booker before, but I’m going to have to go with Memphis. I love what the Suns did in the bubble and they have some talent, but the Grizzlies have Ja and he’s a guy I really think could go on and have a truly great career. He gives them such a great platform to continue to build around.

Ryan: I’m officially onboard the Suns bandwagon. Much has been made of the performances of Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton, and rightfully so, but my faith is based on the less heralded tandem of Mikal Bridges and Cameron Johnson. The two forwards blossomed in the bubble, with Bridges scoring 14 points or more in each of his last three games, and Johnson averaging 13.3 points and 5.9 rebounds per game over eight contests. Neither player is a franchise star, but they can both defend multiple positions and possess the kind of complimentary skills - and mindsets - to help prop up Phoenix’s top talent.

Would you rather have Luka Doncic without his court vision or James Harden without his ability to draw fouls?

Jason: I guess a visionless Luka. Harden’s ability to draw whistles works on so many levels: easy points, opponent foul counts, and just pure frustration. Harden really gets under the skin of his rivals and it fuels him. Does Doncic without court vision equal more shots? If so, he goes from averaging 30 points a night to 40. Ball hog Luka for the win. 

Sam: This is a great question and I’m sticking with my boy Luka. I simply can’t picture a version of Harden who isn’t drawing fouls, he’s a Hall of Famer when it comes to that.

Ryan: Sounds like Luka is a unanimous choice. Even without an ability to spot teammates, the All-Star guard would still be a phenomenal scorer and shrewd ballhandler who could get in the lane with his crafty moves and finish at the tin with his ability to absorb contact. Harden, on the other hand, would be completely lost without his ability to live at the charity stripe. The three-time scoring champ has led the league in free-throw attempts in seven of the last eight seasons and depends on the refs to bail him out whenever he slices through the key. This year alone, his scoring average would be 10 points lower if you eliminated his freebies. Both players are world-class talents, but a dime-less Donic has considerably more upside, especially if you were to pair him with a pass-happy point guard.