Report: Raptors optimistic Casey will sign extension this week

After leading the Toronto Raptors to the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in franchise history, head coach Dwane Casey appears on the verge of a new deal.

Extension talks have reportedly begun this week, and while no deal is done, Marc Stein of ESPN reports there's optimism that the two sides will have an agreement by the end of the week.

Casey is the longest-tenured and winningest coach in Raptors history, and his team is coming off a franchise-best 56-win season.

Following the Raptors' elimination in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals last week, general manager Masai Ujiri fully endorsed Casey as the team's head coach moving forward.

"Coach Casey is our coach for the future, that is very easy; that we can do in our sleep, I think," Ujiri said.

Casey, who owns a 210-184 record since joining the Raptors in 2011, has a team option valued at $4 million for the 2016-17 season. It's believed he'll receive a similar deal to the three-year extension the Portland Trail Blazers gave head coach Terry Stotts earlier in May.