The Toronto Raptors already seem to be in the center of trade rumors as trade season is officially here.
Toronto is off to their worst start in 11 years and teams have already already expressed interest in the Raptors top players.
One name that will be interesting to monitor is Pascal Siakam. He has already been linked to teams like the Sacramento Kings, Indiana Pacers and Atlanta Hawks who almost got a deal done for him this past summer.
Trying to get a huge haul for Siakam could be difficult for the Raptors because he’s an impending free agent, so he could simply be a rental for the team that trades for him this season.
However, the team that trades for Siakam will likely attempt to do everything they can to sign him to a long-term deal.
If the Raptors get a deal done before a specific date, Siakam will have a chance to sign a long-term extension with that team.
Dec. 30 is that important date. ESPN’s Bobby Marks outlined Siakam’s contract details.
-Siakam is eligible for a 4-year, $192 extension with the Raptors until June 30, 2024.
-If traded prior to Dec. 30, Siakam could sign same 4-year $192M extension 6 months after being traded.
-Siakam is only eligible for 2-year, $84M extension if he is not traded prior to Dec. 30:
Seems like Dec. 30 is a mildly somewhat significant date for Pascal Siakam and the Raptors. I don’t quite understand the two-year, $84 million wrinkle, but Dec. 30 is sixth months before free agency starts pic.twitter.com/4ZNK90kYOD
— 𝐀𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐞 (@AaronBenRose) December 16, 2023
What will Raptors do?
At this point giving Siakam a maximum contract doesn’t seem likely. Toronto won’t be able to pay and keep both he and O.G. Anunboy, as Scottie Banes will eventually be in line for a big deal as well.
Therefore, if the Raptors trade him before Dec. 30 they would allow the team that trades for him to be able to lock him up to a 4-year deal.
If he’s traded after Dec. 30 the team that trades for Siakam can only sign him on a 2-year deal.
Knowing these new details, a Siakam trade could come sooner than expected.
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