LISTEN: Magic to 'Throw a Lot of Money' at Raptors PG Fred VanVleet in Free Agency

Toronto Raptors point guard Fred VanVleet could opt out of his contract this summer, and the Orlando Magic continues to be a favorite to sign him.

Jeremy Brener | Feb 4, 2023

LISTEN: Magic to 'Throw a Lot of Money' at Raptors PG Fred VanVleet in Free Agency /

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Orlando Magic

ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic continues to find itself in the conversation of the sweepstakes for Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet.

VanVleet's free agency was the topic of discussion on the latest episode of the Hoop Collective Podcast, and how the Magic could be the final destination for the former All-Star point guard.

"You're hearing a lot of murmurs about 'Hey, the Orlando Magic are willing to throw a lot of money his way this summer," MacMahon said on the Hoop Collective Podcast. "And they don't need help in a sign-and-trade. They have cap space."

The Magic doesn't have a player making more than $20 million next season, which does mean there is room to sign a player like VanVleet, but it could create more of a logjam at the point guard position, which already includes Markelle Fultz, Jalen Suggs and Cole Anthony.

VanVleet, who turns 29 later this month, is averaging 19.5 points per game for the Raptors this season. Currently sitting outside of the playoff picture, the Raptors could possibly be the biggest seller on the trade market, but there's no guarantee that any of the team's top players will be dealt before Thursday's deadline.

A week from now, there will be more of an understanding about the direction the Raptors are going in, and that could add a little more clarity towards VanVleet's situation before he decides whether or not to opt out of his contract this summer.

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Published Feb 4, 2023

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.