How does this trade benefit the Toronto Raptors?
The simple answer. The Raptors would be getting a return for FVV rather than lose him for nothing in free agency.
While Fred VanVleet is an excellent player, the likelihood that the Raptors pay him anything more than $15m a year is unlikely.
If they can find a return that allows them to reload rather than a reboot, they should take that option.
Can another team offer a better package? More than likely. Is the Lakers offer acceptable for a player of FVV caliber? Yes, it is.
The Raptors would be getting Danny Green back, who is a player they loved and are extremely familiar with. He offers 3-point shooting and elite defense at the shooting guard position next to Kyle Lowry, OG Announby, Pascal Siakam, and whoever they have at center next season.
With Gasol and Ibaka coming off big contracts, the Raptors could offer someone like Hassan Whiteside or Montrezl Harrell a decent-sized contract to be their center of the future.
With the likes of JaVale McGee and Danny Green contracts expiring in the Summer of 2021, this allows for the Toronto Raptors to add to their roster going forward and truly build around Pascal Siakam as best as they can.
While Fred VanVleet could very much be part of the Raptor’s future plans, it seems that even as he gets older, Kyle Lowry is their guy moving forward. While FVV has a role on the Raptors, it may not be the role he is hoping for.
VanVleet has the talent to be a starting point guard in this league and contribute more than he is currently doing. It is time for VanVleet to be a starter for an NBA team.
Could it be for the Los Angeles Lakers? Only time will tell.