Are the Utah Jazz a possible suitor for Raptors’ star Fred VanVleet?

The Utah Jazz found unexpected success this season, falling just short of the play-in tournament. Following the trades of Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert in the offseason, it felt as if Utah may be in line for a rebuild.

Now, ahead of the NBA offseason, the Jazz may be looking at more of a retooling situation.

Are the Jazz a possible suitor for Fred VanVleet?

With the emergence of Lauri Markkanen for Utah, the young squad has quickly turned into one of the most promising teams of the future. But if the team intends to make another leap next season, the team will likely need to consider adding a co-star next to the big man.

Could Fred VanVleet be the answer?

VanVleet was a hot name on the trade market during the season, with many teams interested in the guard’s services. At one point, the Raptor was expected to be traded before shockingly remaining on the team’s roster after the trade deadline passed. Perhaps this offseason, the star will finally be traded after Toronto’s disappointing season.

The Wichita State product averaged 19.3 points, 7.2 assists, and 4.1 rebounds in 69 games with the Raptors this season while shooting 39.3% from the floor and 34.2% from three-point range. If the Jazz were able to land the 29-year-old star, Utah would immediately become a dangerous team in the West.

The young talent surrounding both VanVleet and Markkanen would allow Will Hardy to compete with a variety of different lineups on the court. The versatility of the Jazz would make the team a nightmare for opposing defenses. Not to mention the stress the pick-and-roll between Markkanen and VanVleet would cause other teams.

But how could Utah acquire the playmaking guard?

Fortunately for the Jazz, Danny Ainge and the front office have done an exceptional job accumulating assets and cap space for these reasons. The team has a variety of different tools at their disposal to continue building the roster. In hopes of returning to contention sooner rather than later, the team has flexibility moving forward.

While this move isn’t guaranteed to happen, you’d have to imagine the Jazz having interest if the seven-year veteran became available.