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Raptors Yet to Engage in Contract Extension Talks with Pascal Siakam

As the NBA season approaches, and with training camp on the horizon, there is a notable absence of any talks concerning a contract extension between Pascal Siakam and the Toronto Raptors, according to Michael Grange’s report on Sportsnet.

In recent months, several teams have expressed interest in acquiring Siakam through trade.

However, there’s a caveat that has tempered the external market’s enthusiasm: Siakam has made it clear that he won’t extend his contract with a team that trades for him.

He can either sign an extension now for 30 percent of the salary cap or become a free agent next offseason, eligible to join the Raptors or any other franchise.

The Raptors have the option to offer Siakam a maximum contract extension of four years, valued at a minimum of $192 million.

So far, there have been no substantial talks regarding this extension. Importantly, Siakam himself has not requested a trade.

During the 2022-23 season, Siakam posted impressive stats, averaging 24.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 5.8 assists for the Raptors.

His shooting percentages were solid, with 48.0% from the field, 32.4% from beyond the arc, and 77.4% from the free-throw line. He remains one of the premier forwards in the NBA.

The Atlanta Hawks and Indiana Pacers have been the most frequently mentioned teams in trade discussions involving Siakam.

His career averages in the NBA stand at 17.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists. He notably achieved an NBA championship win in 2019 and was awarded the 2018-19 Most Improved Player of the Year.

The Raptors appear to be adopting a cautious approach, waiting to see how their current roster, with Siakam at the forefront, adapts to the offensive system chosen by new head coach Darko Rajakovic.

Toronto had shown a keen interest in acquiring Damian Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers.

However, the Blazers ended up trading Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks. Interestingly, they were not willing to include Siakam, OG Anunoby, or Scottie Barnes in the deal, per Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports.