Jakob Poeltl
Ahead of the 2022 NBA trade deadline, there were some rumors that the San Antonio Spurs were receiving calls on their starting center, Jakob Poeltl. He was having a breakout season, putting up career-high numbers across the board.
Ultimately, he was held onto as the Spurs traded Thaddeus Young and Derrick White. Poeltl continued producing, as he averaged 13.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.7 blocks in 29 minutes per game. He is an efficient scorer and solid anchor for a defense.
The only real drawback is that he is on an expiring deal, so teams may not be willing to trade as much for him now knowing he could depart in free agency next summer. Alas, given how the offseason has unfolded thus far for the Spurs, they very well could be open to moving him as they are embarking on a rebuild.
Dejounte Murray was traded to the Atlanta Hawks, so their intentions are clear despite signing Keldon Johnson to a four-year rookie extension. If the right deal comes along, the Spurs will accept.
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Ultimately, Poeltl seems primed to end up with the Charlotte Hornets. They need an upgrade at the center position and Poeltl can provide them one as someone that can do a little bit of everything. He is a solid complementary scorer and playmaker, providing an anchoring for the defense with his rebounding and shot-blocking. There are all things the Hornets are lacking.
