Fred VanVleet spent seven seasons with the Toronto Raptors and became a pivotal part of the team.

For many, he was the heart and soul of the Raptors.

Then, he departed during the summer and now calls the Houston Rockets home, where he is averaging 16.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 9.1 assists.

Speaking with Adrian Wojnarowski, via Legion Hoops, VanVleet spoke about his choice to leave the Raptors after years of leading them.

“It was just a time where it’s like, ‘Okay, it’s starting to go around Scottie [Barnes]’… my value there wasn’t probably as great as it was in Houston,” VanVleet said.

Fred VanVleet on leaving the Raptors for the Rockets:

“It was just a time where it’s like, ‘Okay, it’s starting to go around Scottie [Barnes]… my value there wasn’t probably as great as it was in Houston.”

(via @wojespn, h/t @ClutchPoints) pic.twitter.com/pBJpBl0IAw

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) December 4, 2023

His time with the Raptors was very productive and VanVleet recorded

He also earned an All-Star appearance and his first NBA championship ring in 2019.

But during his last few seasons with the Raptors, there were growing rumors about VanVleet being unhappy with his role on the team and their lack of success.

He was eyeing an exit and the Rockets presented him with a chance to lead a new team.

Although VanVleet was still valued in Toronto, it wasn’t to the level that he wanted as the team attempted to balance both him and Scottie Barnes.

Barnes, the former Rookie of the Year, is putting up 19.6 points and 9.1 rebounds per game.

He has clearly risen through the ranks of the team and is currently carrying the torch as its leader.

Fans are thankful for VanVleet’s time in Toronto but they are hoping the team can find a more cohesive identity now that he is gone.

It is definitely Barnes’ team now and hopefully, he is starting a new, successful chapter for the Raptors.