Fred VanVleet writes heartfelt message to Raptors fans, Drake responds with joke

Fred VanVleet may be moving on to the next chapter of his NBA career as a member of the Houston Rockets, but he will 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 during his professional career. The point guard went from undrafted free agent to All-Star and NBA champion during his seven years with the Raptors and he will never forget what the organization did for him and his family.

“Words cannot do justice to my gratitude to the city that watched me grow from a young child praying for a chance to an NBA CHAMPION, an All-Star and a father of 3! I am forever indebted to the franchise that gave me a chance when no one else would,” VanVleet wrote on Instagram.

“We’ve built things together that can never be broken and accomplished things that will last forever. I went from fans not knowing who I was, to fan favorite, to most hated 🤣 and I’m grateful for every second. the city, the franchise and the country that has seen me grow every step of the way – THANK YOU.”

Perhaps in his feelings about VanVleet’s departure, superstar rapper and Raptors global ambassador Drake weighed in on the post, leaving a heartfelt response before cracking a joke about his friend’s new destination.

“My doppelganger…love is forever, thank you for your character and contributions over the years, the city will never forget!!! Good luck with everything related to the Guangdong Dragons……..I mean the Rockets.”

VanVleet then responded to Drake’s post with a one-word quip: “Relax.”

Drake and Fred VanVleet grew closer during the point guard's time with the Raptors. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images) — Drake and Fred VanVleet grew closer during the point guard’s time with the Raptors. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)

The Raptors moved quickly to find VanVleet’s replacement in the backcourt, signing veteran guard Dennis Schroder to a two-year, $26 million contract shortly after seeing their franchise icon leave for Houston. It’s unclear which way Toronto will go from here, as the team must make the decision to trade Pascal Siakam and/or OG Anunoby, both of whom have interest generated on the market.