"He's betting on himself to make All-NBA again and look at one of those $200 million contracts" - NBA analyst credits Raptors' win to Pascal Siakam, speculates him leaving Raptors next season
Pascal Siakam is off to a strong start this season. The raptors" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-is-sponsored="false">Toronto Raptors forward is averaging 25.2 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 8.0 assists through five games.
NBA analyst Brian Windhorst recently shared some information about Siakam's earning potential.
Pascal Siakam through 5 games:
20 PTS - 5 REB - 13 AST
23 PTS - 9 REB - 6 AST
23 PTS - 8 REB - 9 AST
37 PTS - 12 REB - 11 AST
23 PTS - 11 REB - 1 AST
Give him his respect. https://t.co/3njmanRT4p
During a recent appearance on "NBA Today," Windhorst said:
"You got to look at Pascal Siakam, we're going to be watching this all year. He's averaging out of the gates here in five games 25 points nine rebounds eight assists a game. Those are MVP-level numbers. Now, Siakam made second team All-NBA last year. [It's] a great accomplishment because he had a rocky year two years ago."
"Pascal Siakam has a huge incentive to make the All-NBA team again. If he does it, he becomes supermax eligible. He had the option to sign a contract extension this last offseason. ... he's betting on himself to make All-NBA again and look at one of those $200 million contracts."
"Look at the start he is off to, he is highly motivated. I'm not sure the Raptors are crazy about giving him that type of contract. But they're going to reap the rewards of him chasing it and he certainly is."
Siakam will make his third career All-NBA team if he continues to put up dominant performances. If that occurs, the 2018-19 Most Improved Player of the Year will be in line for a big pay day.
Watch Brian Windhorst discuss Pascal Siakam's strong start to the season below:
Potential landing spots for Pascal Siakam
If he makes an All-NBA team this season, Pascal Siakam will become eligible for a supermax extension. Although he remains under contract next season, the Raptors will have a tough decision on their hands.
If the Raptors decide he is not worth the supermax, they will have to consider trading him next offseason. It's not ideal, but it's better than losing him for nothing. There are two potential landing spots make the most sense for Siakam.
The New York Knicks were in strong pursuit of Donovan Mitchell this summer. Unfortunately, the trade did not come to fruition. While the Knicks have a solid foundation, they are desperate for a star. Adding Siakam to their roster could push them closer towards title contention.
The Atlanta Hawks are another team that could be in the Raptors star if he is made available. The Hawks have been looking to trade John Collins for quite some time. A package built around Collins could entice the Raptors if they decide to move Siakam.
Atlanta gave up a lot of draft capital to acquire Dejounte Murray, but still have several tradeable picks. Their acquisition of Murray points to the franchise being all-in on winning. Adding Siakam to their roster makes them an instant contender in the Eastern Conference.