The San Antonio Spurs are widely expected to be sellers at the midseason NBA trade deadline. There are many teams with a need to make a frontcourt upgrade that will be keeping an eye on Jakob Poeltl.
Poeltl, 27, is playing in the final year of his current contract. He’s had a productive season, averaging 12.3 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.2 blocks through 35 games played. He is capable of impacting winning as a complementary piece. Could he land on a contender in a midseason trade?
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Boston Celtics and Toronto Raptors both have “strong” trade interests in Poeltl. Additionally, the Spurs are considered as being potentially the “key hub” for the greater trade market in the NBA.
One organization emerges every deadline as a key hub for the entire NBA. This season, it could be San Antonio. Spurs center Jakob Poeltl has gained significant trade interest from teams such as the Toronto Raptors and Boston Celtics, according to league sources who, like all the other sources in this story, were granted anonymity so that they would be able to speak freely.
Due to the CBA rules, Poeltl is limited to a contract extension offer that he simply would be committing malpractice in signing. The most logical option for him would be to enter free agency, even if he wants to return to the Spurs. Such an outcome would place San Antonio at risk of losing him from nothing. They reportedly have sought multiple first-round picks in exchange for the veteran center.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jakob Poeltl, San Antonio Spurs, Boston Celtics & Toronto Raptors Updates
While there has been commentary suggesting that he could fit with Victor Wembenyama if the Spurs did land the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, the asset management perspective would explain that trading him at the deadline makes the most sense.
The Raptors have faced a clear need to upgrade at the center position for quite some time. They are developing rookie Christian Koloko, but he entered the NBA as a raw prospect that will take time to fine-tune his approach. With Poeltl, the Raptors would gain an anchor to their defense and a playmaker on offense.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jakob Poeltl, San Antonio Spurs, Boston Celtics & Toronto Raptors Updates
The Celtics may want to evaluate some options at the center position to solidify their depth ahead of a deep playoff run. Al Horford is in the final stage of his NBA career, and Robert Williams III underwent meniscus surgery that kept him sidelined for the start of the season. A stable, veteran option like Poeltl only helps.
