Report: Raptors' Siakam seeking max extension
The NBA's Most Improved Player is looking for a major raise when his current deal is up.
Toronto Raptors power forward Pascal Siakam has indicated to the team that he wants a maximum contract extension, sources told The Athletic's Shams Charania.
Siakam is set to make $2.4 million in the final year of his rookie-scale contract. Based on the current salary cap, the 25-year-old could receive as much as $130 million over four years or $170 million over five.
With established All-Stars Kawhi Leonard and Kyle Lowry missing a combined 39 games during the 2018-19 regular season, Siakam shined when thrust into a significant role. His 16.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and one made 3-pointer per game were all career highs, and the Raptors' defense ranked 3.7 points per 100 possessions better with Siakam on the floor versus on the bench.
As Lowry, Marc Gasol, and Serge Ibaka - who are all over 30 years old - approach their own free agency in 2020, Siakam offers the Raptors a chance to reconfigure their roster around a young player who appears to be still improving.