The Toronto Raptors are a team that is in an interesting position for this upcoming season.
Despite a mediocre 2022-23 season, Toronto decided to stick to their guns this offseason. Essentially, the only noteworthy move was bringing in Dennis Schroder to fill the void of Fred VanVleet’s departure.
While the Raptors seem to believe in their current roster, there are still some pressing issues that lie ahead. Specifically with O.G. Anunoby and Pascal Siakam, who are both entering contract years. Both players are set to become unrestricted free agents next summer.
ESPN’s latest “NBArank” power rankings series recently came out.
In their 100-51 player rankings they revealed that Anunoby is No. 67 and Scottie Barnes is No. 65.
In their 50-11 player rankings ESPN ranked Pascal Siakam No. 25. Siakam was No.30 last season so he moves up 5 spots.
He averaged a career-high 24.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 5.8 assists. He shot 48% from the field and 32.4% from deep last season. Siakam is heading into his eighth season and there is a lot of uncertainty that surronds his future in Toronto.
He has found himself in trade rumors this past offseason and there’s still been no talk about a contract extension with him.
This season is going to be big for Siakam and there are major implications on the 29-year-old’s next contract. If Siakam makes the All-NBA team, he will become eligible for a supermax contract.
Siakam would be eligible for a five-year $307.23 million deal in free agency next summer.
Masai Ujiri says team hasn’t talked about a contract extension with Siakam yet
Something to look out for as the season progresses is the contract extension talks between Toronto and Siakam.
It’ll be intriguing to see how the talks between the two sides end up.
Will the Raptors look to trade Siakam at the NBA Trade Deadline if the Raptors are struggling? Also do the Raptors even have plans of keeping him long-term? These are question that will be answered soon enough.
Have you subscribed to the Raptors Nation YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!
