An agreement between the Toronto Raptors and Pascal Siakam on an extension ahead of Monday’s deadline is “almost a certainty,” according to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports.
Haynes reports Siakam is the only player remaining from the 2016 draft – where Siakam was selected 27th by the Raptors – who is “a virtual lock” to get a deal done before Monday.
Siakam, 25, is reportedly seeking a max extension from the Raptors – something Haynes notes “will be required” to get a deal done soon – following a career-best year for the Cameroon native in which he played a critical role in leading the franchise to its first-ever NBA title.
[snippet id=4725691]
Raptors president Masai Ujiri confirmed to reporters during Raptors Media Day last month that the team had “conversations” with Siakam’s representation, but Haynes’s report is the first indicating a new contract could get done before Toronto’s season tips off on Oct. 22 at home against the New Orleans Pelicans.
The NBA’s reigning Most Improved Player, Siakam posted career highs in points per game (16.9), rebounds per game (6.9), assists per game (3.1) and minutes per game (31.9) in 2018-19. He played in 80 regular-season games for the Raptors last season, starting in 79 (also a career high).
In the 2019 playoffs, Siakam started all 24 games and averaged 19 points, 7.1 rebounds and 2.8 assists per contest.
[relatedlinks]
