Toronto Raptors

San Antonio Spurs Receive: C Khem Birch, G Malachi Flynn, 2024 First-Round Pick (TOR) 

Toronto Raptors Receive: C Jakob Poeltl 

It’s been said that there’s no place like home. If that’s true, Poeltl himself may be willing to sign off on this trade. 

After all, he started his NBA career with the Toronto Raptors. In fact, the Spurs traded for him along with DeMar DeRozan way back when Kawhi Leonard demanded a trade from them. Many would point to that as the moment the Spurs fell from grace. 

Flash forward to 2022, and the Raptors could really use a player like Poeltl. Over the 2021-22 season, they frequently played Pascal Siakam at the 5, allowing them to have multiple playmaking wings on the floor at once. It’s an interesting, bold strategy that’s worth commending. 

Acquiring Poeltl doesn’t require them to entirely deviate from it either. Instead, it gives the Raptors options. For situations where they need increased rim protection, they’d have it available, but they could still turn to their 2021-22 attack when necessary. 

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All told, optionality is often the mark of a contending team. If the Toronto Raptors are ready to take a step forward in 2022-23, a reunion with Poeltl seems like a good way to head in that direction.