The Damian Lillard sweepstakes are over and the Toronto Raptors can now focus on what’s next.
The Raptors have three players who are set to become unrestricted free agents after this season. Gary Trent Jr., OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam.
Pascal Siakam has expressed his interest to stay in Toronto, but despite that the Raptors still haven’t discussed a potential contract extension with him:
"There's been no progress on an extension at all. There's been no approach from Toronto. From the players side (Siakam), they would absolutely want to jump on it. Right now, it's kind of a wait-and-see. "
-via Michael Grange on The Raptors Show (https://t.co/GdhCDHW7i9) pic.twitter.com/js8jQIXxhM
— . (@GTJGotNext) September 28, 2023
Siakam’s name was floating around in trade rumours this past summer. The Raptors reportedly rejected a trade offer from the Atlanta Hawks for Siakam.
Since then the Siakam trade rumors cooled down as the Raptors shifted their attention to Damian Lillard.
However, the Raptors didn’t want to trade any one of their core pieces for the seven-time All-Star.
Therefore, it would make sense for the Raptors to lock up their core pieces like Anunoby and Siakam, but nothing has happened to this point.
There’s speculation that Siakam could be holding out on a deal because if he makes the All-NBA team this season, he would be eligible for the supermax deal.
The Raptors are eligible to sign Siakam now to a maximum contract extension of four years and at least $192 million.
However, if Siakam makes the All-NBA team this coming season, he would be eligible for a five-year $307.23 million supermax contract in free agency next summer, per The Athletic.
Siakam could be betting on himself to have a big year and get himself an even bigger pay day. However, with that comes the possibility of Siakam signing elsewhere just like Fred VanVleet did this past offseason.
What will the Raptors do with Siakam?
If the Raptors have another subpar season, they could revisit Siakam trade conversations at the deadline.
The Raptors need to decide if they want to keep Siakam in Toronto as the pillar of their team. Potentially paying Siakam north of $300 million is a huge commitment.
Especially, if the Raptors view Scottie Barnes as the future face of their franchise. Big decisions are coming for the Raptors.
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