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Report: Biyombo expected to command at least $16M per year in free agency

Nick Turchiaro / USA TODAY Sports

Bismack Biyombo's breakout postseason is going to pay major dividends this summer.

The Toronto Raptors center, who has stepped up in a major way with Jonas Valanciunas sidelined, has a $3-million player option for next season that he is certain to decline. That will make him an unrestricted free agent come July 1, and league executives expect him to earn a contract for at least $16 million per year, according to Sean Deveney of Sporting News.

One general manager told Deveney he anticipated a contract in the range of $16 million to $17 million annually for the ascendant rim protector. Another front-office exec pegged Biyombo's next deal at $20 million a year. ESPN's Zach Lowe said he's been hearing rumblings of the same price range.

Biyombo has been a revelation, particularly in the Raptors' Eastern Conference final against the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he's averaged 6.8 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks (with countless other shots altered at the rim). He's been lauded by his coaches and teammates not just for his energizing on-court exploits, but for his affability and vocal leadership.

His play will likely price him out of Toronto, even though the Raptors reportedly want to retain him. They don't own his Bird rights, meaning they can't go over the cap to re-sign him, and unless they plan to trade a big contract or renounce impending free agent DeMar DeRozan, they won't have the space to meet Biyombo's projected market. They'll also be paying Valanciunas $16 million starting next season.

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