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Could Fred VanVleet be a target for the Golden State Warriors?

By Nathan Beighle

TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 25: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors looks on during the second half of an NBA game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Scotiabank Arena on February 25, 2020 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, ON - FEBRUARY 25: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors looks on during the second half of an NBA game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Scotiabank Arena on February 25, 2020 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) /
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26-year-old Fred VanVleet erupted as a force in the 2019 postseason. Helping defeat the Warriors, should the Dubs target him this offseason?

The Golden State Warriors want to prioritize adding a backup point guard. Could Fred VanVleet be that player? After playing on a two-year contract, VanVleet will become a free agent this offseason.

The Warriors know VanVleet well.

He became a household name because of how he played against Golden State in the 2019 NBA Finals, a series the Raptors won in six games. Let’s be real — we will never know the true outcome of the series even if just Klay Thompson wasn’t injured.

But, we do know it was VanVleet’s time to shine.

VanVleet had more double-digit games in the 2019 NBA Finals then he did in every other series during the team’s playoff run. His 22 points and five threes in Game 6 was a huge reason the Raptors were able to close the series.

It wasn’t just one series though. He’s backed that play up this season. Averaging 17.6 points per game, VanVleet’s field goal percentage may have gone down a tad, but his numbers from deep have skyrocketed. He’s now averaging 2.7 threes per game on 38.8% from deep.

That’s what Golden State should want in a backup point guard.

Given his market, VanVleet may be a player that commands an eight-figure deal, but his ceiling is limited. VanVleet’s defense does certainly help his case. However, it’d be tough for Golden State to play a backcourt of Stephen Curry and VanVleet.

Despite Klay Thompson being a taller two-guard, the Warriors just wouldn’t have the size to defend adequately. But, if all VanVleet does is come in for a few minutes in those lineups while also consistently running the second unit, his addition would be more than welcome.

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Thankfully, the Dubs can break up that $17.2 million Andre Iguodala-created exception. If VanVleet wants around $12 million, then the Warriors would virtually add a second mid-level exception to their arsenal.

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