Fred VanVleet and the Raptors parted ways during NBA free agency, as the 29-year-old agreed to a big-money contract with the Rockets.
After locking down the three-year, $130 million deal in Houston, VanVleet took to Instagram to bid farewell to the city of Toronto, where he’s played for the last seven seasons.
VanVleet sent Raptors fans a heartfelt message on Instagram, thanking them for giving him the opportunity to develop into the player he has become today.
“Words can’t do justice to how thankful I am to the city that watched me grow from a young kid praying for a chance to a NBA CHAMPION, all-star, and a father of 3! I am forever indebted to the franchise that gave me a shot when no one else would,” wrote VanVleet in the post’s caption.
After seeing the Instagram post, star rapper and Raptors super-fan Drake hilariously took to the comment section to troll VanVleet.
“My look alike…the love is forever thank you for your character and your contributions over the years the city will never forget!!! Good luck with everything on the Guangdong Dragons……..I mean the Rockets,” wrote Drake, who joked about the striking similarities between his own appearance and VanVleet’s.
The seven-year NBA veteran responded by saying, “relax.”
VanVleet has been with the Raptors since 2016–17, where he started his career as an undrafted free agent out of Wichita State. In 2022–23, he averaged 19.3 points, a career-high 7.2 assists, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.8 steals.
