NBA Free Agency 2018: One signing every team should make

CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 08: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts against the Golden State Warriors during Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 8, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

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TORONTO, ON – MAY 03: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles the ball in the first half of Game Two of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre on May 3, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

Toronto Raptors — Fred VanVleet

The Raptors are a luxury tax team, and that will remain true as long they employ at least one of Serge Ibaka and Jonas Valanciunas. Maybe they get crazy this summer and trade DeMar DeRozan or Kyle Lowry, but that would be a different path than they would seem to be on.

In all likelihood, Toronto is going to run it back next year and why not? They are still a very good team with stars in their primes and, if LeBron James leaves, there’s a better chance than ever for them to go for it. And running it back should include re-signing Fred VanVleet.

VanVleet’s free agency is interesting because he is not operating from a clear position of strength. He’s a restricted free agent, so his market is going to be cut off already from teams that don’t want to tie up their books for a few days with his contract sheet. He also plays at what is maybe the league’s deepest position and there are other, perhaps cheaper options available. Maybe Toronto can find an alternative it likes in that same market.

But VanVleet was also an integral part of a Raptors bench mob that was as much a part of the team’s success as their change in play style. Is it worth the risk for Toronto to run it back and hope Delon Wright can do what VanVleet did if he gets a large-ish contract offer in free agency? That is the question the Raptors have to ask themselves as they figure out what do with VanVleet.

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