Report: Magic Willing to Offer Fred VanVleet 'Some Serious Money'

Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet is expected to draw serious free agent interest from the Orlando Magic this summer

All Raptors Staff | Feb 22, 2023

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The Orlando Magic were never believed to be in serious pursuit of Fred VanVleet at the trade deadline but that's expected to change when the offseason rolls around.

There's been chatter for months surrounding VanVleet and the Magic who will have the cap space to sign the Toronto Raptors point guard outright when becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer. While Orlando is not allowed to talk about a contract with VanVleet or his agency until free agency starts, there's a belief that "come summer, they'd be willing to talk some serious money" with VanVleet," according to Yahoo's Jake Fischer.

Orlando's interest in the 28-year-old guard may come down to how Markelle Fultz performs over the final few months of the season, Fischer added. The 24-year-old is averaging 13 points and 5.5 assists per game this season and it's possible his development alongside improved play from Jalen Suggs moves the organization away from signing VanVleet this summer.

"I don't think they're just locked into signing a veteran point guard," Fischer said.

VanVleet has a player option worth $22.8 million for next season he's expected to opt out of. Toronto has been able to offer him a contract extension worth four years, $114 million but a deal worth more than $28.5 million per season can only be offered in the summer.

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