Update on Raptors Extension Discussions with Pascal Siakam as of Late

Pascal Siakam is still in a state of uncertainty. His situation with the Toronto Raptors is still one of the season’s most confusing mysteries. To some extent, Toronto’s desire to watch the former All-NBA forward in a different offense made sense. Being patient did have a price, since Siakam would enter unrestricted free agency the next offseason if he hadn’t signed a long-term contract by the summer, but the front staff insisted that more time was needed to assess the situation. After 30 games this season, Toronto’s circumstances are starting to become more apparent. Though the Raptors haven’t exactly been successful this season, Siakam’s numbers are essentially the same as they have been in each of the previous four seasons when

However, as Michael Grange of Sportsnet noted, the Raptors do not currently have any intentions to extend their contract with Siakam, and as December draws to a close, things will only get more difficult for him to stay with the team. Siakam’s potential to sign a contract before the end of the month would have given Toronto the opportunity to transfer the franchise icon during the following offseason. Siakam’s trade limitations would expire in time for the summer, but he would not be able to be dealt for six months if he signed a contract before December 30. With several more seasons left on his contract, Toronto might be able to obtain more for Siakam, though it wouldn’t be ideal or the best approach to handle a player of his ability.

“A player who may leave in free agency is not going to get top dollar for a half-season of work,” Grange wrote. However, the fact that there are currently no discussions about an extension means Toronto feels confident entering the trade deadline on February 8 with Siakam’s contract expiring. Three-fifths of this team’s starting lineup, OG Anunoby and Gary Trent Jr., have contracts that are about to expire, so it’s a scary place to be. But the Raptors will already be aware of this. A plan exists. There must exist. Toronto’s failure to lock up their upcoming free agents at the beginning of the season put them in this situation. The team needed to be aware that such guys would be worth less come trade deadline time.

We won’t know the answer to that till the upcoming months. But it’s reasonable to be a little dubious, if the last several years are any guide. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED is a registered trademark of ABG-SI LLC. Copyright ABG-SI LLC. Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved.