San Antonio Spurs receive: C Khem Birch, G Malachi Flynn, 2024 First-Round Pick (TOR)
Toronto Raptors Receive: C Jakob Poeltl
If this trade transpires, expect Jakob Poeltl to waltz into the Toronto Raptors’ locker room like he never left.
After all, this organization probably wasn’t enthusiastic about parting with him in 2019. He was a part of the Kawhi Leonard choice, ergo, they had no choice. They were receiving Kawhi Leonard.
Flashforward to 2022. The Raptors won their championship. Leonard came and went. Now, they’re an up-and-coming group in need of a big man. Preferably, one that protects the rim at an elite level and can also survive defending in space. Sound familiar?
Jakob Poeltl would be a perfect fit with this Raptors’ roster. He won’t come cheap. This trade sees the Spurs making moves towards a rebuild.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 76ers’ Joel Embiid Takes Major Shot At Raptors’ Coach Nick Nurse
Birch is a salary matcher: the Spurs are interested in the 23-year-old Flynn and an unprotected first-round pick here. If that’s a path they wish to travel, the Raptors may want to consider guiding them down it.