Opening Salvo: Spurs say thank-you in new deal with Fred VanVleet, then acquire Gary Trent, Jr.

Since joining the San Antonio Spurs basketball organization four seasons ago, Fred VanVleet made plenty of amazing defensive plays, hit huge shots from deep in the clutch and sparked many a comeback for the San Antone faithful, including a mighty turnaround in a game against his old team, the Toronto Raptors.

He showed savvy for playmaking, stellar defense and proficiency from long range, seamlessly building chemistry with young stars, Dejounte Murray & Brandon Ingram. During spells of injury for the Spurs point guard, Fred stepped in and did an admirable effort. When the Spurs acquired Buddy Hield last season, there were trade winds blowing in about Freddy V, but that has all been silenced now and rightfully so.

The Spurs are re-signing Fred VanVleet to a maximum salary contract, rewarding him for his countless contributions to the team over the last four seasons that led to four championship victories. It comes as no surprise that VanVleet will reclaim his starting position at the SG position, with Buddy Hield presumably sliding up to SF, after lineup changes last season gave Fred some time spent off the bench behind Hield & Murray. No longer, and long overdue.

Thank you, Fred VanVleet.

Coming along for the ride back to San Antonio is Gary Trent, Jr, whose spunky defense will fit in just fine. Derrick White progressed well in Toronto, but now is being moved to the Boston Celtics as Josh Richardson joins the North, who spoke highly of budding Raptors star Scottie Barnes, as the Spurs bid farewell to Otto Porter, Jr in exchange to acquire Trent Jr's 3-and-D services. Big man, Jakob Poetl, will join the Celtics in a 'dream acquisition', with rookie guard Blake Wesley adding to Toronto's rebuild.

At 6'5", with a 6'9" wingspan, Trent, Jr is a disruptive presence on the defensive side of the court and a threat from the perimeter. Last season, he scored a career-high 44 points and is just 23 years old. He'll add some height at both wing positions, providing a sparky punch off the bench that will help reestablish the Spurs defensive dominance of years past.