NBA Rumors: Raptors Considering Trade To Bring Back An Old Friend

 

Ever since Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka left in 2020, the Toronto Raptors have been looking to upgrade at center. A report today has the team looking at bringing back Jakob Poeltl, who they traded to the San Antonio Spurs in the deal to bring in Kawhi Leonard in 2018.    

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Raptors have interest in bringing back the 7'1" big man, to anchor their backline. The 2016 NBA Draft saw the team bring in Poeltl with the No. 9 pick, along with Pascal Siakam at No. 27. The two grew up together in the vaunted Toronto development system, along with Fred VanVleet, and Poeltl would fit in quite nicely with the Raptors, both on and off the court.  

Jakob Poeltl holding down the backline while all the Raptors long-armed, quick defenders create havoc on the perimeter is kind of a scary thought. Very, very easily tradable deal for Poeltl too. Have to imagine the Spurs would need a pretty good return though.

— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) January 14, 2022

Poeltl is putting up career-best numbers across the board in San Antonio this season, averaging 12.4 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists. As noted by insider Keith Smith, his beefy presence under the basket would be a nice addition to the long, strong perimeter defenders the Raptors have in OG Anunoby, Scottie Barnes and Pascal Siakam, among others. 

Chris Boucher and/or Precious Achiuwa have been mentioned as possible return pieces in any such deal, though it's not known how anxious the Spurs are to part with the emerging Poeltl. 

Stein also notes that the Raptors' proximity to the luxury tax threshold might dampen their interest. 

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