2018 NBA Free Agency: Ranking the Cleveland Cavaliers top 25 options

HOUSTON, TX - NOVEMBER 9: Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets talks with LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers on NOVEMBER 9, 2017 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - NOVEMBER 9: Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets talks with LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers on NOVEMBER 9, 2017 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – MAY 5: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors handles the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semi Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Toronto Raptors on May 5, 2018 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – MAY 5: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors handles the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semi Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Toronto Raptors on May 5, 2018 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) /

No. 11: Fred VanVleet

The young backup point guard from Witchita State made a name for himself off the Raptors bench last season, leading one the most lethal second units.

In his sophomore season, VanVleet almost tripled his scoring, averaging 8.6 points per game. While 8.6 might not seem like a ton, VanVleet is ready to take another step this next season. He didn’t turn the ball over much, just 1.8 per 36 minutes. On top of that, he shot over 40% from deep.

With Calderon out and Hill potentially out, a backup of VanVleet and Sexton would be young and fired up. Also being able to learn the game alongside LeBron would be great for developing his career further.

The only problem is his cost. During his two-year rookie contract, VanVleet made just under $2 million. That said, you know he’s got to be looking for a big payday, and I think some team will be paying him close to $10 million to captain their second unit.

VanVleet got a taste of the postseason last year, and he was swept by LeBron. Since the culture of the league is joining the loaded team that beat you, VanVleet should join the Cavs and take a pay cut!

Wishful thinking, I know.