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Fred VanVleet pens heartfelt message to Raptors fans, Drake responds with joke
Drake couldn't stop himself from chiming in on Fred VanVleet's farewell message to the Raptors and their fans.
Fred VanVleet might be moving on to the next chapter of his NBA career as a member of the Houston Rockets, but he'll always have an appreciation for the Toronto Raptors and their fans.
VanVleet agreed to a three-year, $130 million contract with the Rockets on Friday, choosing to leave the only organization he had played for in his professional career. The point guard went from undrafted free agent to an All-Star and NBA champion during his seven years with the Raptors and he'll never forget what the organization did for him and his family.
"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," VanVleet wrote on Instagram.
"We built things together that can never be broken, and accomplished things that will stand forever. I went from the fans not knowing who I was, to fan favorite, to most hated 🤣 and I’m thankful for every second of it. To the city, franchise, and country that watched me grow every step of the way - THANK YOU."
Perhaps in his feelings over VanVleet's departure, superstar rapper and Raptors global ambassador Drake chimed in on the post, leaving a heartfelt reply before cracking a joke about his friend's new destination.
"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."
VanVleet then responded to Drake's message with a one-word quip: "Relax."
The Raptors acted quickly to find VanVleet's backcourt replacement, inking veteran guard Dennis Schroder to a two-year, $26 million contract shortly after watching their franchise icon leave for Houston. It's unclear what direction Toronto will take from here, as the team has decisions to make on whether to trade Pascal Siakam and/or OG Anunoby, both of whom have generated interest on the market.
