The Toronto Raptors have an important deadline ahead of them. On Monday, the Raptors must reach an agreement with one of the building blocks of their future. In other words, they must reach a deal with reigning Most Improved Player Pascal Siakam.
Recently, there were reports that Siakam was seeking a max extension. Siakam wants to remain with the Raptors, but if they cannot reach a deal by Monday, Siakam becomes a restricted free agent. However, it seems that Siakam will receive his extension. According to Chris Hayes of Yahoo Sports, it is almost a certainty that Siakam and the Raptors will agree on a deal before Monday. Hayes also said that in order to finalize the agreement between the parties, a maximum contract offer will be required.
Siakam was the 27th pick of the 2016 draft, and two of his draftmates have already received five-year, $170 million max extensions. Ben Simmons of the Sixers and Jamal Murray of the Nuggets received extensions earlier in the summer, and Siakam may not be too far behind.
The Raptors are a different team from last season, as Siakam will be the focal point of their future. His performance last season helped him win Most Improved Player and justifies his pending extension. He averaged 16.9 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists last season. He also averaged 19.0 points and 7.1 rebounds during the postseason. If he continues to improve, he’ll have an even better season.
If the Raptors hold on to Siakam, they have a special player leading them post their championship win. So, the Raptors need to get this done.
Featured Image courtesy of Carlos Osorio/Associated Press
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