Raptors News: Toronto Wants Back-To-Back NBA Titles Before Looming Rebuild

The Toronto Raptors remain a formidable team so it hardly comes as a surprise that they are aiming for back-to-back NBA titles. However, the journey towards a second plum will not come easy. Gone are Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green, vital cogs in their 2018-19 championship run.

Still in Toronto are Kyle Lowry, Marc Gasol, Fred VanVleet and Pascal Siakam. All have expiring deals and the word out is that the 25-year-old Siakam holds high chances of getting a contract extension. The Cameroonian is believed to be Toronto's next franchise player, possibly adding a bit more pressure on him for the coming season.

“We've had conversations with Pascal's representation and we're excited whether it's going to be this fall or next summer, we're excited for the potential of what that could be,” Raptors General Manager Masai Ujiri was quoted of saying during media day by Yahoo Sports Canada.

Unless something changes, Siakam is expected to be dangled a maximum five-year contract worth $170 million. But aside from him, who else will the Raptors keep?

These are some of the big questions that await the Raptors next summer. Some will stay and others will go. And rather than tackle it now, Toronto plans to cross the bridge when they get there. The main agenda right now is to win back-to-back titles with the remaining players they have in tow, the Associated Press reported.

''We understand it and we move on as an organization. I think there are many bright spots with our team, whether it's our veteran players, whether it's our players coming up, and the younger group we're developing," said Ujiri.

The performance of the players for the coming NBA season will likely play a factor. But similar to most teams, their ages will also be in consideration. As mentioned in a previous post, this is perhaps why some teams have inquired on possible trades on Gasol, Lowry and Serge Ibaka. With the trio heading into their final year, the Raptors could consider trading them now for future assets.

Unfortunately, any trade involving them and other players playing out their final season in Toronto will have to wait. The Raptors are hungry for one more title, meaning any player movement happening may only happen by next summer.