Spurs Center On The Trade Block

His name has been in trade rumors since the deadline last season, but the San Antonio Spurs decided to hang on to their big man in the middle, Jakob Poeltl. But now, according to ESPN NBA Insider Brian Windhorst, Poeltl is once again a "trade candidate" due to his contract situation. 

Jakob Poeltl is a ‘trade candidate,’ per @WindhorstESPN pic.twitter.com/x74o8aynwx

— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) November 1, 2022

On his Hoop Collective podcast, Windhorst said that Poeltl is unlikely to sign a contract extension with the Spurs, instead preferring to 'bet on himself' in the free agent market where he can earn much more than what the Spurs are able to offer at this point. His contract expires after the season. 

Poeltl broke through into his status as one of the top centers in the league with his performance last year, averaging 13.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.7 blocks while shooting over 61% from the field. 

He's upping the ante so far this season, averaging 14.1 points, 11.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 0.9 blocks while shooting 66%. 

He'll be coming off a 3-year, $26M contract and will be in for a huge raise. At the age of 27, he's not really on the Spurs' timeline, as their rebuild is led by burgeoning star forward Keldon Johnson, 23. It's not expected that the Spurs would re-sign Poeltl to a long-term deal.

From the Boston Celtics, to the Toronto Raptors to the Brooklyn Nets and several others, there are several teams that could use a center of Poeltl's size and talent to take them to the next level. 

Photo: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports