It would be hard to argue that any player did more for his impending free agency in these playoffs than Toronto Raptors center Bismack Biyombo. After being thrust into the starting role following an injury to starter Jonas Valanciunas, Biyombo wound up averaging 8.2 points, 13.4 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks in the final 10 games of the Raptors’ playoff run.
Thanks to his outstanding performance, some are speculating that Biyombo could command more than $15 million this summer, and with the Los Angeles Lakers in dire need of a defensive-minded big man to pair with Julius Randle, Biyombo would be an ideal target.
It was quickly reported after the end of the Raptors season that Biyombo would indeed opt-out of his contract. According to Josh Lewenberg of TSN Sports, Biyombo expressed interest in returning to Toronto:
Biyombo said he's heard Masai say that they'll do "whatever it takes" to bring him back. "I love it up here and I would love to be back"
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) May 28, 2016
With Valanciunas entrenched in the starting center spot, a return to the Raptors would mean a backup role for Biyombo. That, however, doesn’t seem to bother him via Lewenberg:
Biyombo, asked if starting is important to him: "I just want to win. For me it's about winning. Starting or not starting, it doesn't matter"
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) May 28, 2016
As is the case with Biyombo’s teammate DeMar DeRozan, emotions were likely high in the immediate aftermath of having their season ended. As such, it wouldn’t be a surprise if thoughts are different once free agency rolls around in July.
Biyombo is set to cash in big time this off-season as the Lakers will be one of many teams looking to bring in the big man to anchor their defense. While the Raptors have said they want to bring him back, it would be a steep price to pay upwards of $15 million a year for a backup.
After the Roy Hibbert experiment was largely a flop, the Lakers are in the market for a starting center and Biyombo fits the mold. A great rebounder and defender who is still only 23 years old, Biyombo will have a big decision to make this summer.