NBA Free Agency: 5 players who are going to be overpaid

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 12: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors in action against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on February 12, 2020 in New York City.Brooklyn Nets defeated the Toronto Raptors 101-91. 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 Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

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LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – AUGUST 21: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles up the court against the Brooklyn Nets during the first half in Game Three of the first round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs at The Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 21, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. /

1. Fred VanVleet

VanVleet deserves to be considered the top free agency hitting the market this offseason. That doesn’t mean he’s going to be worthy of the lucrative contract he receives. The talented guard is a really high-end complimentary player who is poised to be paid like a superstar.

Again, VanVleet is a really good player. He’s just not the sort of talent that’s going to turn a mediocre roster into a legitimate playoff team. That’s the sort of value teams should want in a player whose average annual salary could exceed $20 million. Unfortunately, that player just isn’t hitting the open market this offseason.

Ironically, the Raptors are the team best positioned to get real value from VanVleet. He’s such a perfect fit for what they do on both ends of the floor that paying him that kind of premium is at least a reasonable decision.

5 potential landing spots for Fred VanVleet. dark. Next

Any team that decides to get aggressive and outbid Toronto for his services will end up sorely disappointed in what they receive in return. The little things he does on the court that are so valuable for the Raptors won’t move the needle for a cap-space team like the Pistons or Knicks. VanVleet is set to be overpaid simply because he’s the best free agent in a really mediocre class.

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