NBA teams aren’t typically sentimental when they acquire a player. They’re thinking about what’s best for the team. Sometimes, that can make for strange bedfellows. We’ve seen players join teams that, for a lot of fans of the league, it doesn’t feel right to see them join.
Just look at Chris Paul in a Golden State Warriors jersey. This doesn’t feel right. Paul battled the Warriors as a member of the Los Angeles Clippers and the Houston Rockets. Now, he’s crossed enemy lines. At the same time, the Warriors acquired him for a simple reason – it made sense.
On the other hand, the Toronto Raptors didn’t acquire Jakob Poeltl for the sake of reuniting with him. They acquired him because they needed a big man. With that in mind, they could move the talented big man if they decided to rebuild this season. Could they acquire Paul in the process?
The Trade Proposal
Toronto Raptors Receive: G Chris Paul, 2026 First-Round Pick (Top 5 Protected – GSW)
Golden State Warriors Receive: C Jakob Poeltl, F/C Chris Boucher
In fact, NBA teams can be cold. They have to be. This is a big business. The stakes are high. If an NBA general manager puts their heart before their brain, they will likely make a bad decision.
Just look at the Warriors. Look at how they acquired Paul. The Warriors moved Jordan Poole for him. At one time, he was seen as a potential cornerstone for this team. Last summer, Draymond Green punched him in the face. It seemed like there were chemistry issues on this team. In the end, it was the one on the receiving end of the punch who got moved.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jakob Poeltl, Toronto Raptors & Golden State Warriors Updates
Why? Well, what were the Warriors going to do – trade Green? He’s integral to their success. On the other hand, Poole was prone to bouts of inefficiency. So, the Warriors flipped him for Paul. Could they turn around and flip Paul for Poeltl?
Why The Golden State Warriors Do The Deal
This deal wouldn’t be legal today. Paul and Poeltl are both subject to trade restrictions at the moment. That’s perfect for Golden State. If Paul is performing well for them, they won’t make this deal. They’ll keep their draft capital and their productive player.
We’ll see how it works out. It’s worth noting that Paul is quite old. He’s also not necessarily the type of guard the Warriors have typically worked with. Paul prefers a slow pace and operates in the pick and roll. The Warriors typically run a fast, motion-heavy offense. What if this partnership is doomed to fail?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jakob Poeltl, Toronto Raptors & Golden State Warriors Updates
If so, Poeltl should be a good fit in this team’s system. He’s a plus positional passer and an outstanding defensive big. If the Warriors aren’t happy with their record leading up to the deadline, flipping Paul for Poeltl could change their fortunes. Should the Raptors want Paul?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
The Raptors could use a point guard. They lost Fred VanVleet in free agency this summer. With that said, moving Jakob Poeltl to acquire an aging Paul wouldn’t make sense if the Raptors are trying to make a win-now move. Luckily, that’s not what they’re doing here.
The Raptors are rebuilding. They’re less interested in Paul and more interested in his expiring contract. With that said, Paul’s veteran mentorship could be useful for this young team. He’s seen it all in the National Basketball Association, and he’d have much to teach this group.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jakob Poeltl, Toronto Raptors & Golden State Warriors Updates
Still, the Raptors do this deal for the pick more than anything else. It’s got lighter protections than the pick they gave up to acquire Poeltl in the first place, so they’re turning him into a positive value. Moving him again may hurt, but the Raptors must ignore those feelings.
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