Toronto Raptors Receive: C Jakob Poeltl
Indiana Pacers Receive: F Doug McDermott, C Khem Birch, 2022 First-Round Pick (No. 20 – SAS), 2023 First-Round Pick (Top 3 Protected – TOR)
San Antonio Spurs Receive: C Myles Turner
It seems clear that the Charlotte Hornets covet a center. The Toronto Raptors’ desires, on the other hand, are less obvious.
Through 2021-22, they gave Pascal Siakam ample run at the 5 spot. Traditionally, he’s a wing/forward. The strategy yielded some positive results, but at the same time, the Raptors would likely look to advance past the first round of the playoffs next season. Do they need a big man to take that step??
If the front office thinks so, a reunion with Poeltl makes plenty of sense. They’ll have to part with a first-rounder to make it happen if they’re unwilling to lose a core player. Here, they protect that pick against utter disaster. It’s likely to fall outside of the top 3.
Meanwhile, this deal allows the Spurs to hang onto Vassell. They’re parting with their own first-round pick instead.
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If the Pacers accepted it, they’d be signaling a clear intention. Whether their president likes it or not, they’re rebuilding.
