The Toronto Raptors had to say goodbye to a franchise icon on Friday night, as Fred VanVleet chose to sign a three-year, $128 million max contract with the Houston Rockets. VanVleet won a title during a tremendous seven-season run, but he chose to start a new adventure.
The Raptors did not twiddle their thumbs and wait very long to replace him, as they agreed to a two-year, $26 million contract with former Lakers point guard Dennis Schroder.
Regardless of what you thought of the moves, it is inarguable that the scale of VanVleet’s contract and his replacement sent shockwaves throughout this fanbase.