Toronto Raptors point guard Fred VanVleet has informed the team that he has declined his player option for next season and will enter free agency. The All-Star guard was set to make $22.8 million next season under his player option but instead will test the open market and look for a new deal. It is unclear if he will be able to make more money next season, but is likely looking for a long-term deal as a free agent. His relationship with the Raptors has been rocky for a while and it is unclear if they will reunite for next season.
ESPN Sources: In the first major domino of free agency, Toronto Raptors All-Star guard Fred VanVleet has declined his $22.8 million player option and will become an unrestricted free agent in July. pic.twitter.com/bVrve81XgZ
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 12, 2023
This past season with the Toronto Raptors, Fred VanVleet averaged 19.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. He paired those numbers with a field goal percentage of 39.3 percent and a three-point percentage of 34.2 percent. Overall the Raptors and VanVleet have had a down season since winning the NBA Championship with Kawhi Leonard. He is a one-time All-Star in his career and still has plenty of starting miles left in him. The biggest thing will be the fit, the price, and the expectations he has heading into next season. VanVleet will be one of the better names in free agency this offseason and makes the offseason that much more interesting.
