Why The San Antonio Spurs Do The Deal 

Apparently, the Spurs are seeking two first-round picks for Poeltl. They’re right to value their big man – he’s developed into one of the best defensive bigs in the NBA. Still, that feels like a slightly optimistic asking price. 

After all, Poeltl offers little on offense outside of pick-and-roll finishing. Defensive bigs who don’t space the floor seldom fetch that kind of return. Realistically, what we’ve proposed here is closer to Poeltl’s market value. 

It’s still a sizeable return. Mitchell is a fantastic young defensive guard who’s flashed potential on the other end of the floor as well. At 24, he’s still got time to make good on it. Meanwhile, the Spurs will be in the perfect situation to facilitate his growth. 

With that said, the Spurs get some draft capital here as well. Granted, it’s protected – the Kings shouldn’t be so confident in the upcoming season as to give up their first-round pick otherwise.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Davion Mitchell, Sacramento Kings & San Antonio Spurs Updates

Still, this is a pick coming from a team that intends on winning. In all likelihood, the two sides would negotiate rolling protections – if the Spurs are getting a pick that will eventually convey in the first round, they should be satisfied here. 

Is Caruso worth that pick to the Kings?