The Toronto Raptors have inked center Jonas Valanciunas to a  four-year contract extension reportedly  for over $64 million, according to ESPN.

The deal carries a player option for the fourth year and taked effect on the 2016-17 season. 

The Raptors are eager to lock up the 23-year-old and keep him from hitting the free agent market next offseason, when the salary cap jumps dramatically and more teams having sufficient salary-cap space to pry him away.

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The 7-footer was drafted No. 5 overall by the Raptors in 2011.

Valanciunas, who has the skills to be a second or third offensive option with theteam, averaged 12.0 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.2 blocks last season. 

In three seasons, he has averaged 10.9 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.1 blocks.

Raptors president and general manager Masai Ujiri noted that Valanciunas continues to improve with each season, and is  a significant part of their build up. 

However, the Raptors need to pursue a trade for Phoenix Suns power forward Markieff Morris to fill their need for a starting stretch four, Hardwood Paroxysm noted.

With most NBA teams able to utilize the small-ball scheme with players who can stretch the floor from the power forward position, the Raptors are at a big disadvantage.

Patrick Patterson has the skill set of a stretch-four, but bring much to the table aside from hitting open three pointers and is more suited coming off the bench.

Meanwhile, DeMar DeRozan has limited shooting range.

Markieff also played significant minutes at center as well and was usccessful hotting off against bigger but slower 
defender. He can also guard both opposing  players from both forward posts and center.

Markeiff is coming off his best personal season, averaging 15.3 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. 

Tags Toronto Raptors, Jonas Valanciunas, Markief Morris, NBA trades, NBA Deals