NBA: Raptors’ Biyombo eyes $16M per year in free agency—report
Toronto Raptors’ Bismack Biyombo (8) reacts to a call against Toronto, during the first half of Game 5 of the NBA basketball Eastern Conference finals between the Raptors and the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday, May 25, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
Bismack Biyombo has been one of the surprising gems in this year’s playoffs, and according to a report, other intrerested NBA squads might have to break bank to avail his services.
The 23-year-old Congo native will be an unrestricted free agent come July 1, and league executives expect him to earn a contract for at least $16 million per year, as per reports from Sean Deveney of Sporting News.
Another front-office executive, meanwhile, pegged Biyombo’s next deal to be worth atleast $20 million a year, given the rarity of decent rim protectors in the league these days.
Biyombo’s post-season resurgence couldn’t have had come at a better time, as his averages of 6.8 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals, has reportedly left league executives in awe.
With Toronto’s starting center Jonas Valanciunas sidelined, Biyombo has stepped up big time—capped off by a Toronto playoff record 26 rebound performance in the Raptors’ game 3 victory.
His projected price range, meanwhile, could mean the Raptors won’t be able to sign him, even though they reportedly want to retain their serviceable back-up big.
The team reportedly do not own his Bird rights, and unless they can clear enough cap space, Biyombo is most likely going elsewhere.
The Ontario-based franchise is reportedly focused on their All-star, DeMar Derozan’s pending free agency, while they’ll also be paying Valanciunas $16 million starting next season.
Biyombo’s Raptors team, however, is currently on the brink of elimination after dropping their last game against the Cavs in devastating fashion.
Game 6 between Cleveland and Toronto will be aired on Saturday, inside the Air Canada Centre. Khristian Ibarrola
