Spurs: Grading 8 free agent point guard options from 'no thanks' to 'sign now'

San Antonio Spurs, Fred VanVleet
San Antonio Spurs, Fred VanVleet | Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports
9 of 9
Fred VanVleet
Toronto Raptors v Charlotte Hornets | Jacob Kupferman/GettyImages

1. Fred VanVleet

The Spurs desperately need a point guard, and the closest one to fitting their culture is VanVleet. The 29-year-old averaged 19.3 points, 7.2 assists, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.8 steals in 36.7 minutes per game for Toronto this season. He was an All-Star in 2022, and the undersized guard can space the floor and run an offense. VanVleet competes hard on the defensive end and played a key role in Toronto winning a championship in 2019.

After the Raptors title, he may have cursed out Gregg Popovich. There is a video of VanVleet talking to an assistant coach where someone says “F--- Pop”. It is unclear who besmirched the legendary play caller, but it angered plenty of Spurs fans.

Would San Antonio target VanVleet after the video? He is expected to decline a $22.8 million player option for next season, which would make him an unrestricted free agent. Where will he end up?

Verdict: Sign now if he’ll apologize

Fred VanVleet is a hard-working player who is committed to helping his community. The 29-year-old puts the team first, and he ultimately wants to win. He would be a fantastic fit in San Antonio playing for coach Pop if he is willing to apologize for the video.

Schedule