Jakob Poeltl Traded To Chicago Bulls

Chicago Bulls Receive: C Jakob Poeltl

San Antonio Spurs Receive: G Coby White, C Marko Simonovic

If the San Antonio Spurs really want to bottom out ahead of 2022-23, trading Jakob Poeltl could be essential. He’s good enough to secure a few unnecessary wins for the team next season.

After all, Poeltl is among the league’s upper echelon in terms of defensive big men. Rim protection like his is a floor-raiser – and the Spurs want their floor to be as low as possible next season. Moving Poeltl increases their odds in the inevitable Victor Wembenyama sweepstakes.

On the other hand, the Chicago Bulls won’t be in that conversation. They’ll be looking to win as many games as possible in 2022-23. Some will protest that they already have a starting big man in Nikola Vucevic.

To be sure, Vucevic has had a more decorated career than Poeltl is likely to. With that said, he’s a subpar defensive big man.

LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: Updates On Chicago Bulls & San Antonio Spurs

With ample offensive firepower between DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine, the Chicago Bulls may be better off with a defensive-minded big man in the middle.

This deal at least affords them the opportunity to find out.