ORLANDO, FL - SEPTEMBER 7: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors brings the ball up court during Game Five of the Eastern Conference SemiFinals of the NBA Playoffs on September 7, 2020 at The Field House in Orlando, Florida. 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 2020 NBAE

Ujiri: Retaining VanVleet 'a big-time priority' for Raptors

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Nathaniel S. Butler / National Basketball Association / Getty

If Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri has his way, Fred VanVleet will remain with the organization for the foreseeable future.

The executive admitted Thursday during his end-of-season media availability that retaining VanVleet is atop the Raptors' wish list this offseason.

"Fred is a priority. A big-time priority," Ujiri said, according to The Athletic's Blake Murphy.

VanVleet, 26, is coming off a breakout campaign with the Raptors. He averaged career highs in points (17.6), assists (6.6), rebounds (3.8), steals (1.9), and 3-point percentage (39%) across 54 games.

The highly coveted guard is set to hit unrestricted free agency this coming offseason along with big men Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol. Ujiri expressed optimism in being able to re-sign both of those players, as well.

VanVleet played a key role in helping Toronto finish the regular season with the NBA's second-best record at 53-19.

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