The Phoenix Suns are looked at as interested parties who might target Fred VanVleet this summer.
The recent development comes after the Toronto Raptors star declined his $22.8-million player option with the side and is set to test free agency. According to Suns reporter, Duanne Rankin:
“The Phoenix Suns have a decision to make with Chris Paul going into free agency, but seeing Fred VanVleet declining his player option to become an unrestricted free agent may become part of their thinking.”
He further added: “VanVleet pairing up with Devin Booker could give Phoenix one of the NBA’s top backcourts for years to come. Wojnarowski reported “several contenders” who’d welcome discussions on sign-and-trade scenarios with Raptors when it comes to VanVleet.”
That said, the Suns will also need to decide what they will do with Chris Paul, who is in the third of his four-year, $120 million contract with the franchise. Should they indeed look at retaining the veteran, they will be crunched by the new collective bargaining agreement, given they already have Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Deandre Ayton.
VanVleet gives the Suns the stability they need. He’s more than just a handy scoring option who averaged 19.3 points last season but can also make an impact on both ends of the floor.
The Philadelphia 76ers Could Have Fred VanVleet On Their Radar
Should James Harden indeed leave the Philadelphia 76ers this summer, the latter has another option in VanVleet, according to reports.
Per Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, “Harden owns a $35.64 million player option for the 2023-24 season that many around the league are anticipating him opting out of. Leaving the Sixers after just one full season and signing elsewhere as an unrestricted free agent is a very real possibility for Harden, which is why Philadelphia has begun giving thought as to who could replace the former league MVP. According to league sources close to the organization, Raptors All-Star guard Fred VanVleet has emerged as a potential replacement for Harden this offseason.”
While he may not be as scintillating as Harden, VanVleet is more than competent and his playmaking acumen will suit the Sixers well. With the Suns now in the fray, only time will tell where he lands up eventually.
