Team USA pursues Fred VanVleet to strengthen roster for FIBA World Cup / News - Basketnews.com

Team USA officials reached out to Fred VanVleet for FIBA World Cup 2023.

Credit: AP Photo/Terrance Williams - Scanpix Credit AP Photo/Terrance Williams - Scanpix

According to a report by Joe Vardon of The Athletic, Team USA officials have recently approached former All-Star and NBA champion Fred VanVleet to gauge his interest in joining the FIBA World Cup 2023.

Fred VanVleet

MIN:36.81PTS:19.44 (49.33%)REB:4.17As:7.2ST:1.77BL:0.56TO:2.04GM:70ProfileNBA2022/2023

VanVleet, who recently turned down his $22.8 million player option and is set to become an unrestricted free agent in July, has yet to participate in a World Cup or Olympics. Last season, he recorded an average of 19.3 points and achieved a career-best 7.2 assists.

Whether or not VanVleet will commit to the Team USA squad remains uncertain at this time. The final roster for the team is expected to be announced later in June.

Notable players who have already confirmed their participation for Team USA include Anthony Edwards from the Minnesota Timberwolves, Tyrese Haliburton from the Indiana Pacers, Austin Reaves from the Los Angeles Lakers, Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets, Bobby Portis from the Milwaukee Bucks, Jalen Brunson from the New York Knicks, Brandon Ingram from the New Orleans Pelicans, and Jaren Jackson Jr. from the Memphis Grizzlies.

FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 will take place from August 25 to September 10, 2023.

Team USA's training camp will begin on August 3 in Las Vegas, followed by an exhibition game against Puerto Rico on August 7.

They will then launch a two-week tour in Spain and the United Arab Emirates before starting World Cup play on August 26 against New Zealand.

Team USA announces 5 showcase games ahead of FIBA World Cup

2023 USA BASKETBALL SHOWCASE

Date Opponent Location Aug. 7, 2023 Puerto Rico Las Vegas, NV Aug. 12, 2023 Slovenia Malaga, ESP Aug. 13, 2023 Spain Malaga, ESP Aug. 18, 2023 Greece Abu Dhabi, UAE Aug. 20, 2023 Germany Abu Dhabi, UAE

2023 FIBA WORLD CUP FIRST-ROUND SCHEDULE

Date Opponent Time Aug. 26, 2023 New Zealand 8:40 a.m. ET Aug. 28, 2023 Greece 8:40 a.m. ET Aug. 30, 2023 Jordan 8:40 a.m. ET Like what we are doing? You can express your gratitude here.