Report: Raptors, Siakam have begun extension talks

The Toronto Raptors have had preliminary discussions with Pascal Siakam on a contract extension but there is no indication that a deal is imminent, sources told TSN's Josh Lewenberg.

The NBA's deadline to sign a rookie-scale extension that would take effect in 2020-21 is Oct. 21, the eve of the upcoming regular season. If Siakam and the Raptors don't come to terms by that date, he'll become a restricted free agent next summer, meaning Toronto can match any offer sheet he signs with another team.

Siakam is due to make $2.35 million in 2019-20 - a relative bargain for a player of his stature. His eventual extension can be worth up to 25 percent of the Raptors' cap, which currently projects his annual salary at around $29 million.

Following the departure of Kawhi Leonard, the 25-year-old Siakam has become Toronto's de facto featured player. He enjoyed a meteoric rise during the Raptors' championship season, reaching career highs across the board, hitting big shots in key moments, and being named the NBA's Most Improved Player.