NBA Offseason Rumors: Golden State Warriors Might Sign $80 Million Toronto Raptors Center to Support Steph Curry

The NBA offseason is always rife with speculation, rumors, and predictions about trades, free-agent signings, and player movements. Every year, teams across the league look to bolster their rosters in the hope of achieving championship glory. For the Golden State Warriors, a team that has already enjoyed tremendous success in the recent past with the likes of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, the offseason offers a chance to make key adjustments and find the perfect pieces to complement their star players. One of the most intriguing offseason rumors that have surfaced involves the Warriors potentially signing a star player from the Toronto Raptors: center Fred VanVleet.

The rumor circulating has the Warriors looking to bring in VanVleet, a versatile and talented center known for his scoring, defense, and ability to stretch the floor. His arrival would be a significant step for the Warriors, who are looking to make another deep run at the NBA Championship after their most recent loss. With a reported $80 million contract on the horizon, the signing would signal a major shift in the team’s approach to building a roster around Curry, one of the greatest shooters to ever play the game.

But what does this potential signing mean for the Warriors? What are the implications for the Raptors? And how does VanVleet fit into the Warriors’ system, alongside the likes of Curry, Thompson, and Green?

The State of the Golden State Warriors

The Golden State Warriors have been one of the most successful teams in the NBA in recent years. After winning the championship in 2015, they went on to capture two more titles in 2017 and 2018, led by their iconic “Splash Brothers” duo of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. With Draymond Green anchoring their defense and head coach Steve Kerr at the helm, the Warriors became synonymous with fast-paced, three-point-heavy offense and suffocating defense.

However, the Warriors’ dominance has been tested in recent seasons. Injuries to key players—most notably Thompson, who missed two full seasons due to a torn ACL and Achilles tendon—put a major dent in their championship aspirations. But the Warriors have always been a team with immense potential, and their title in 2022, led by Curry’s brilliance, reminded everyone that they were still a force to be reckoned with.

As the team approaches the 2024 offseason, the Warriors face several questions. While Curry remains the focal point of their offense, Thompson is coming off an injury-riddled period and is still attempting to find his form. Green, the heart and soul of the Warriors’ defense, has expressed uncertainty about his future with the team. The Warriors also face salary cap limitations due to their big contracts and the luxury tax.

To return to title contention, the Warriors will need to address several gaps in their roster, particularly in the frontcourt. That’s where Fred VanVleet comes into play. His skill set could provide the Warriors with a much-needed injection of both offensive and defensive stability.

Who is Fred VanVleet?

Fred VanVleet is a name that has been circulating in NBA trade rumors for a while now. The Toronto Raptors’ point guard has emerged as one of the most underrated players in the NBA, especially considering his unassuming journey to the NBA. VanVleet went undrafted in the 2016 NBA Draft, before signing with the Raptors and gradually carving out a role for himself on the team.

VanVleet’s performance has continued to improve with each passing year. While he’s primarily known as a point guard, his ability to play multiple positions, stretch the floor with three-point shooting, and play tough defense has made him one of the most coveted free agents on the market. He has consistently averaged double-digit points and has been a valuable playmaker for the Raptors. His versatility and leadership skills make him a perfect fit for a team like the Warriors, who value both offensive and defensive flexibility.

In the 2023-2024 season, VanVleet had his best season yet, averaging 20.8 points, 7.0 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game. His shooting splits of 43.5% from the field and 38.7% from beyond the arc reflect his efficiency and the threat he poses on offense. He is also a tenacious defender, averaging 1.6 steals per game, and his experience playing under pressure in high-stakes playoff games gives him the mental toughness required for a championship contender.

With the Raptors seemingly heading into a rebuild phase, VanVleet’s future in Toronto is uncertain. With a player option for the 2024-2025 season, VanVleet has a decision to make. The Warriors, with their need for more frontcourt depth and their desire to maximize their championship window, are reportedly looking at him as a potential free-agent target.

Why the Warriors Might Pursue VanVleet

The Warriors are always looking for ways to enhance their roster around Steph Curry. With their established core of Curry, Thompson, and Green, the team knows that it needs to supplement its roster with players who can complement their stars. While the Warriors have always been known for their offensive firepower, adding a versatile center like Fred VanVleet would provide a necessary balance to their lineup.

1. Offensive Synergy with Curry and Thompson

One of the most crucial reasons the Warriors would pursue VanVleet is his offensive skill set. Although he is primarily a point guard, VanVleet’s ability to shoot from the outside, create his own shot, and run an offense would make him an excellent fit next to Curry and Thompson. While Curry draws much of the defensive attention due to his elite shooting, VanVleet can relieve some of that pressure by knocking down shots from beyond the arc. His playmaking ability would also give the Warriors another primary ball-handler when Curry is off the floor, improving their offensive flow.

In addition, VanVleet’s basketball IQ and ability to read defenses would allow him to thrive in Steve Kerr’s system, which is predicated on ball movement and unselfish play. Having another player who can run pick-and-rolls, create plays, and spot up for open shots would make the Warriors’ offense even more difficult to defend.

2. Defensive Improvement

While offense is always the Warriors’ calling card, adding VanVleet would significantly bolster their defense. VanVleet is an excellent perimeter defender, and his tenacity would help the Warriors in guarding opposing guards and wings. His ability to lock down ball handlers and disrupt passing lanes would be a welcome addition to the Warriors’ defense, which, despite the efforts of Green, has sometimes struggled to defend opposing offenses.

With Green’s defensive prowess starting to wane with age and the team needing to rely on him more as a facilitator on offense, VanVleet could provide a much-needed boost in this department.

3. Adding Depth in the Frontcourt

Another critical area of need for the Warriors is frontcourt depth. While Kevon Looney has been solid as their starting center, and Green provides a strong defensive presence, the Warriors could use another big man who can both protect the rim and stretch the floor offensively. VanVleet’s combination of size, scoring, and defense makes him an ideal candidate to fill that role. His experience in the NBA, having played in multiple playoff series, would also provide the Warriors with a veteran presence and leadership.

The Potential Impact on the Raptors

Should the Warriors indeed pursue VanVleet, it would also have ramifications for the Toronto Raptors. VanVleet has been a key figure in the Raptors’ franchise over the last few years, and his departure would mark the beginning of a new era for the team. With the Raptors focusing on rebuilding, it might be time for both parties to part ways, allowing VanVleet to chase a title with a team like the Warriors.

If VanVleet were to leave, the Raptors would have to consider their next steps in terms of rebuilding and developing young talent. However, the Raptors have a solid base with young players like Scottie Barnes and OG Anunoby, and a strong presence in the front office led by Masai Ujiri, so they will be well-positioned to move forward without VanVleet.

The Financial Side: $80 Million Contract

One of the most significant elements of this rumored signing is the $80 million contract that VanVleet could sign with the Warriors. Given that he is one of the most highly coveted free agents on the market, his next contract will likely be a lucrative one. The Warriors, with their deep pockets and willingness to go into the luxury tax to secure a championship-caliber roster, have the resources to make such a deal happen.

However, such a move would also have financial implications for the Warriors. The team would need to balance its salary cap situation, particularly with the high-paying contracts of Curry, Thompson, and Green. But given their pursuit of another title, the Warriors seem willing to make the necessary financial sacrifices to build a championship roster, making an $80 million deal for VanVleet a realistic possibility.

As the Golden State Warriors look to the future, adding a player like Fred VanVleet to their roster could be the perfect move to ensure they remain competitive in the hunt for another NBA title. With his combination of scoring, playmaking, defense, and leadership, VanVleet would be a great fit in the Warriors’ system, complementing their existing stars while providing depth and versatility. The potential $80 million contract would make him one of the most significant signings of the offseason, and it could have far-reaching implications for both the Warriors and the Toronto Raptors.

While this is still just a rumor, the idea of VanVleet joining the Warriors is an exciting one for fans of the team. If it becomes a reality, the Warriors would become an even more formidable force in the NBA, with a player who can help elevate their championship hopes for years to come. The offseason is always full of surprises, and this rumor is one to keep an eye on as we approach the next NBA season.