Pascal Siakam contract details: Raptors star can maximize salary, career earnings by betting on himself

The Sporting News
 
Pascal Siakam contract details: Raptors star can maximize salary, career earnings by betting on himself

Pascal Siakam picked quite the season to have a career year.

While the Raptors fell short of expectations in 2022-23, Siakam earned his second All-Star selection with averages of 24.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game. That could lead to a big payday, as he is now eligible to sign a lucrative extension with the Raptors in the prime of his career.

Siakam might not sign on the dotted line this offseason, though — and not because he's involved in trade rumors. In delaying an extension, he would open the door to him earning a lot more money on his next contract.

Here's how Siakam could maximize his future salary and career earnings by delaying contract negotiations.

How Pascal Siakam can maximize salary, career earnings with Raptors

Siakam is entering the final year of his current contract. He'll earn $37.9 million in 2023-24, and he is set to be an unrestricted free agent in the 2024 offseason.

According to estimates by Spotrac's Keith Smith, Siakam is eligible to sign a four-year, $192.2 million veteran extension with the Raptors this offseason. However, if he plays out the final year of his contract and earns an All-NBA selection, wins MVP or is named Defensive Player of the Year in 2023-24, he'll be eligible to sign a five-year, $290.3 million designated veteran contract with the Raptors next offseason.

In other words, Siakam could earn almost $100 million more by betting on himself. And that's not all.

As detailed by Smith, Siakam would also be eligible for a rare no-trade clause because it would be a new contract, not an extension, and he would have eight years of experience, all of which have come with the Raptors.

Making an All-NBA team is no easy feat, but Siakam has earned the honor twice in the last four seasons. Plus, he'd still be eligible for a big contract if he does bet on himself but fails to make an All-NBA team.

In that case, he'd be eligible for a five-year, $248.8 million contract that could include a no-trade clause.

* Siakam can sign a Veteran Extension in the 2023 offseason

** Siakam has to earn MVP, DPOY or All-NBA in the 2023-24 season to qualify

*** Siakam does not need to earn MVP, DPOY or All-NBA in 2023-24 to qualify

The benefit to signing an extension now rather than waiting is that Siakam could lock in a salary that pays him over $40 million through 2027-28.

He's been healthy for most of his career, but the risk of him suffering an injury in 2023-24 that could impact his future earnings could make that security more appealing.

Pascal Siakam career earnings

According to Spotrac, Siakam's career earnings will exceed $140 million at the end of his current contract.