Pascal Siakam, a forward for the Raptors, is approaching the end of his contract. According to Sportsnet’s Michael Grange, both Siakam and the team have a deadline of June 30 to potentially agree on a four-year extension worth up to $192M. However, Grange suggests that December 30 is an important date for both parties to make a decision, strongly hinting that Siakam might enter free agency. This pattern follows previous departures of key players from Toronto’s 2019 championship team.
Recent history shows a trend of star players leaving the Raptors. Fred VanVleet moved to the Houston Rockets in free agency this past summer, Kyle Lowry joined the Miami Heat in a sign-and-trade in 2021, and Marc Gasol departed as a free agent in 2020. The return for these departures has been limited, with only Precious Achiuwa, averaging nine points per game over two-and-a-half seasons, acquired in exchange.
The underlying issue appears to be the team’s indecision. Toronto seems reluctant to re-sign its experienced players while also hesitating to trade them to secure assets. There’s a lack of clarity on whether to rebuild around promising talents like Scottie Barnes, the 2021-22 Rookie of the Year, or to maintain a competitive roster around him.
Time might be running out to extract significant value from Siakam, a two-time All-Star, given the risk of losing him for nothing in free agency, as highlighted by Grange. Sitting at 12th place with a 12-18 record, the Raptors urgently need to resolve Siakam’s situation, along with impending free agents OG Anunoby and Gary Trent Jr. Losing key starters without gaining anything in return will only impede the team’s progress, regardless of the direction they choose.
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