The Pascal Siakam saga has been a key off-season storyline for the Toronto Raptors, and it doesn’t seem like it is going to come to a close anytime soon.
According to the latest report from The Athletic‘s Shams Charania, all trade talks involving the two-time All-Star are “at a complete pause,” and the Raptors and Siakam have had “no substantive conversations” surrounding a contract extension.
Charania reports that the Atlanta Hawks have been the strongest suitor for Siakam’s services all off-season, adding that Atlanta offered the Raptors a package built around youngsters De’Andre Hunter, AJ Griffin and draft compensation. However, he also reports that Toronto has continued to up the price for its superstar and that the trade talks have now stalled.
The Hawks are reportedly content to enter the season with their current roster.
Several other teams have shown interest in Siakam throughout the off-season, but teams have been reluctant to make a move for the forward due to a report that Siakam is keen on staying in Toronto and may not sign an extension with a team that trades for him.
Siakam, 29, is now eligible to sign for 30 per cent of the salary cap either through an extension with the Raptors or via free agency next summer.
The Raptors were recently burned by a similar situation when point guard Fred VanVleet signed a massive three-year, $130 million free agency deal with the Houston Rockets this off-season after the two parties were unable to agree to an extension.
Siakam enjoyed another productive season in Toronto last year, averaging 24.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 5.8 assists while narrowly missing out on another All-NBA selection. He was named an All-Star for the second time in his career.
Charania adds that even without an extension, there is a good chance that Siakam will remain a Raptor through the trade deadline next season.
Toronto and new head coach Darko Rajaković will be looking to improve on last year’s season which saw the Raptors ousted in the NBA’s play-in tournament by the Chicago Bulls.
Just how much Siakam is involved in that improvement effort remains to be seen.
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