The Toronto Raptors have been a team that many people in the basketball world are keeping an eye on. Toeing the line of NBA Play-In Tournament team in the Eastern Conference, something had to give ahead of the deadline; either the Raptors would make moves to help push them up the standings or start their rebuild and unload their best players for assets.
Late Wednesday night into early Thursday morning, they seemingly showed their hand. The Raptors made a trade with the San Antonio Spurs, whom they had just played a game against, acquiring Jakob Poeltl. To land their former lottery pick, the Raptors traded Khem Birch, a protected 2024 first-round pick and two future second-round picks to San Antonio.
Toronto intends to sign Poeltl to a new contract this summer when he is a free agent, filling a huge void in their lineup. He was the most sought-after big man on the market this season and is a nice addition to the Raptors.
However, they may not be done making deals. It sounds as if they could be playing on both sides of the fence. Poeltl was a win-now and later move as they plan to keep him long-term. Looking to further improve their long-term outlook, the Raptors aren’t done making deals.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jakob Poeltl, San Antonio Spurs & Toronto Raptors Updates
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Toronto is continuing to discuss deals centered around OG Anunoby. Now that the Nets have moved on from Kevin Durant, this may be the time for the Raptors to sell on Anunoby.
They reportedly had a deal on the table that included three first-round picks. If there was any truth to that, it would be surprising if he wasn’t dealt as his value will never be higher. Teams in the Western Conference are likely bolstering their trade offers knowing they now have to figure out a way to slow down a Phoenix Suns team with Durant and Devin Booker.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jakob Poeltl, San Antonio Spurs & Toronto Raptors Updates
Keep an eye on Fred VanVleet and Gary Trent Jr. as well. Both have player options and can become free agents this summer, leaving the Raptors in a bit of a financial bind. Retaining both of them, along with a new deal for Poeltl, could be more money than ownership is willing to pay.
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