David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Report: Pascal Siakam Showing Unwillingness to Sign Extension With Anyone Other than Raptors
Pascal Siakam trade talks continue to be complicated.
The Toronto Raptors forward is making it known he’s unwilling to sign an extension with any team that trades for him this summer, per Substack’s Marc Stein. He’d prefer to stay with the Raptors, though extension talks between him and the organization have yet to take place, according to Sportsnet’s Michael Grange.
Siakam’s preference was first reported ahead of the NBA Draft by Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes.
The 29-year-old has one year left on his current contract and can sign a four-year, roughly $192.2 million extension with any team that holds his rights this year.
Should he earn an All-NBA nod this season, he’d be eligible to sign a five-year, roughly $290.3 million contract in the summer.
By refusing to sign an extension, Siakam can exert his agency in trade talks involving Toronto. Rival teams are less likely to pursue Siakam with a high-end offer should they believe it’s possible he may leave after one season with the team.
The threat, however, implies Siakam would be willing to leave his 2023-24 team in free agency next summer and take less money to join a rival team. That could be the difference between re-signing on a five-year, $248.8 million versus leaving in free agency for roughly four years, $184.5 million.
Further Reading
Fred VanVleet Admits It Was 'Time for a Change of Scenery' in Departure from Raptors
Gradey Dick Shows Why Raptors Should be Excited But Mishaps in 4th Prove Costly
Dennis Schröder Talks Free Agency, Joining the Raptors, Being a Mentor, & Starting for Toronto
