Toronto Raptors’ Pascal Siakam prefers to become free-agent

The Dallas Mavericks are seeking to strengthen their power forward position, as reported by Marc Stein of Substack. The Mavs have shown interest in Pascal Siakam of the Toronto Raptors, but Stein notes that this interest is “overstated”. The Mavericks are also linked with a move for Isaiah Stewart. Siakam prefers to play out the season and become a free agent unless he agrees to a max contract extension with the Raptors. The Raptors can offer Siakam a four-year, $190 million max extension until June 30. Teams trading for Siakam can only offer a two-year extension. Siakam is unlikely to agree to this two-year extension, opting instead to become a free agent. The Pistons and Grizzlies could also emerge as trade candidates for Siakam.