(Kim Klement / Pool photo via AP)
The Phoenix Suns will reportedly be one of three well-known teams chasing Toronto Raptors guard and free agent Fred VanVleet soon this off-season.
Athletic’s Shams Charania reported Monday that the Suns, Detroit Pistons and New York Knicks “should emerge as suitors” for VanVleet’s services outside the Raptors.
VanVleet spent four seasons with the Raptors. In the past two years with the team, he has averaged 14 points, 5.6 assists and 3.1 rebounds over 118 games (82 starts). VanVleet recorded a shot rate of 41.2%, while he shot 38.5% from deep within that period.
VanVleet’s play has been in full view as Toronto navigates the NBA playoffs in the bubble. In the team’s first round on the Brooklyn Nets, the guard averaged 21.3 points, 7.8 assists and four rebounds per game.
He signed a two-year $ 18 million deal in 2018 and is set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2021.
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, some league executives believe that the $ 85 million four-year deal Malcolm Brogdon secured from the Indiana Pacers last summer will define the market for VanVleet.
VanVleet could deliver the Suns a one-two punch to point guard with Ricky Rubio signed for the 2021-22 season and act as Rubio’s successor if a long-term deal is struck.
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