Spurs Free Agency Watch: Fred VanVleet Declines Player Option with Raptors

Fred VanVleet, a one-time All-Star selection in 2022, could potentially be the splash signing of the offseason for the San Antonio Spurs if there's mutual interest.

In possession of the No. 1 overall pick, the San Antonio Spurs likely have most of their current focus on Victor Wembanyama and the 2023 NBA Draft later this month. But with their abundance of cap space, it's worth keeping an eye on the big free agency news that dropped Monday.

Toronto Raptors guard and 2019 NBA champion Fred VanVleet has declined his $22.8 million player option, per reports from ESPN. This means he will now become an unrestricted free agent this offseason and will be able to sign with any team of his choosing. Toronto will not have the ability to match a potential contract offer for VanVleet from another squad.

VanVleet, a one-time All-Star selection in 2022, could potentially be the splash signing of the offseason for the Spurs, giving them an elite guard with proven scoring and play-making ability.

After trading star guard Dejounte Murray last offseason, the Spurs could certainly use an experienced ball-handler, which has been considered the team's biggest need after a 22-60 finish this season. Pairing him alongside Wembanyama - who is San Antonio's inevitable selection at No. 1 - VanVleet could help set up the French big man in pick-and-roll or pick-and-pop actions while having the ability to score on his own as well if the defensive attention shifts toward the 7-foot giant.

VanVleet went undrafted out of Wichita State in 2016, but has become one of the more inspiring NBA success stories since. This past season, he averaged 19.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, a career-high 7.2 assists and 1.8 steals while starting all 69 of the games he appeared in.

---

You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7

Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Spurs? Click Here.

Follow Inside the Spurs on Twitter.

Follow Inside the Spurs on Facebook.

Want even more San Antonio Spurs news? Check out the Si.com team page here.