Raptors’ Bismack Biyombo Opts Out Of Contract To Become A Free Agent

David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

The Toronto Raptors defied the odds during the 2015-16 NBA season leading to an impressive run to the Eastern Conference Finals. Along with reaching a historic franchise mark, the Raptors saw a few star players emerge during their postseason run.

Although everyone already knew Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan’s potential, Bismack Biyombo was a pleasant surprise for Toronto. Biyombo became a force to be reckoned with in the paint for the Raptors and made a name for himself along the way.

Following Biyombo’s impressive playoff performance, the 23-year-old plans to get paid this summer by opting out of his current contract with the Raptors to become an unrestricted free agent, via Eric Pincus of Basketball Insiders:

Toronto Raptors reserve center Bismack Biyombo has opted out of the final season of his two-year contract, which he signed last summer for a total of $5.6 million.

As a result of Biyombo coming into his own on the biggest stage in the playoffs, the former lottery pick will be a hot commodity on the free-agent market. Biyombo will have plenty of suitors once he officially becomes available on July 1.

Although Biyombo has opted out of his deal and will test the free-agent waters, the center has indicated a desire to stay with the Raptors long-term. Toronto will almost certainly try to retain Biyombo this summer, and unless there’s an offer from another team that the Raptors brass simply isn’t willing to match or improve upon, he’ll likely be staying in Canada for the long haul.