Fred VanVleet established himself as one of the key parts to the Raptors' 59-win season.
The second-year undrafted point-guard had himself a terrific season that will warrant him getting paid. VanVleet will be a restricted free agent come July 1st and they'll definitely be an interest for his services.
Toronto will be able to match any offer given to VanVleet, and they'll be able to go over the cap if need be. However, the team will likely be in the luxury tax next season which may not be optimal for a team that might have hit a glass ceiling.
If it was up to him, the captain of the bench mob would like to keep playing in the 6ix.
"Winning comes first," VanVleet told reporters on Tuesday via theScore. "I'm restricted, so it's not like I have the ultimate green light to just go choose a place I wanna go.
"There's gonna be some restriction in that area. (But) I love it here. This is the place that gave me a chance, gave me an opportunity, whether it's the organization, coaching staff. I'm a loyal guy, always have been.
"Hopefully things work out. But I understand there's a business at the end of the day."
VanVleet became a fan favourite averaging 8.6 points and 3.2 assists in 76 games all off the bench putting him in the conversation for the sixth man of the year award.
The last and only Raptors to win the award was Lou Williams in 2014-15.
