NBA News Roundup, Sunday, Oct 20: Pascal Siakam signs Toronto contract extension, Kevin Durant considered joining the New York Knicks and more

Pascal Siakam is set to spend his prime with the Toronto Raptors
Pascal Siakam is set to spend his prime with the Toronto Raptors

The 2019-20 NBA season is almost here, and there is plenty to be excited about ahead of the much-anticipated new campaign. The likes of the Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, and Utah Jazz are among the teams looking to contend following strong offseasons, while a rival team could make a significant move in the weeks ahead.

Meanwhile, big names including Carmelo Anthony are still hoping to find a route back to the NBA in the not too distant future, and there should be no shortage of drama in the coming months. So, ahead of the new NBA season, here are all the latest news and rumors you need to know for October 20th.


#1 Pascal Siakam agrees new long-term extension with the Raptors

Pascal Siakam is set to remain with the Toronto Raptors for the foreseeable future
Pascal Siakam is set to remain with the Toronto Raptors for the foreseeable future

The Toronto Raptors endured a disappointing offseason as the influential free-agent duo of Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green headed to Los Angeles. Nevertheless, the Raptors have responded by signing Kyle Lowry to a new deal, and ESPN is reporting that Pascal Siakam is set to sign a new four-year, $130 million contract extension with the NBA titleholders:

Forward Pascal Siakam has agreed to a four-year, $130 million maximum rookie contract extension, agents Todd Ramasar and Jaafar Choufani told ESPN. Siakam, considered the cornerstone of the Raptors' future, is the third player in the 2016 NBA draft class to agree to a maximum contract.

The 2018-19 season was a breakthrough year for Siakam as he averaged 16.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game on 55% shooting from the field. The 25-year-old was also among Toronto's best performers during the 2019 playoffs as he averaged 19.0 points and 7.1 rebounds over 24 appearances.

While the long-term futures of Marc Gasol, and Serge Ibaka remain in doubt, Siakam will have the chance to grow alongside other young talents in Toronto such as Fred VanVleet and OG Anunoby.

#2 Kevin Durant considered signing with the New York Knicks

Kevin Durant reportedly considered heading to the Knicks before joining the Nets
Kevin Durant reportedly considered heading to the Knicks before joining the Nets

Heading into the offseason, the New York Knicks were believed to be Kevin Durant's most likely destination. Nevertheless, the 2014 MVP eventually opted to sign with the Brooklyn Nets and subsequently criticized the current appeal of the Knicks.

However, despite Durant's recent criticism of the franchise, Jalen Rose told Ian Begley of SNY.tv that the 31-year-old seriously considered signing with the Knicks:

(Durant) even talked about, he was really considering the team (the Knicks) and then he was almost the lead recruiter. To the point where when he got injured, Kyrie became the lead recruiter. And ultimately, he ended up with the Nets.

Durant is expected to miss the entire 2019-20 season after suffering an Achilles injury in the 2019 NBA Finals. Despite the 10-time All-Star's absence, the Nets will be confident of qualifying for the playoffs after also adding Kyrie Irving and DeAndre Jordan in free agency.

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#3 Quin Snyder extends his contract with the Utah Jazz

Quin Snyder has signed a new long-term deal with the Utah Jazz
Quin Snyder has signed a new long-term deal with the Utah Jazz

Despite immense competition in the Western Conference, Quin Snyder has guided the Utah Jazz to the playoffs in each of the past three seasons. The 52-year-old is widely regarded as one of the best coaches in the NBA, and Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that the Jazz has handed him a new long-term extension:

Utah Jazz coach Quin Snyder has agreed to a long-term contract extension, league sources tell ESPN. Snyder had two years left on his deal, and a new contract extends multiple years beyond that term.

Snyder was hired by the Jazz as head coach back in 2014 and has recorded a 227-183 regular-season record with the team. Utah was eliminated by the Houston Rockets in the first round of the 2019 playoffs, although expectations are high entering the new season following the acquisition of Mike Conley.

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Edited by Arvind Sriram