3 teams that could be in the mix to trade for Spurs’ Jakob Poeltl
By Ryan Heckman
With NBA trade deadline rumors heating up, we look at three teams that could be in the mix for San Antonio Spurs big man Jakob Poeltl.
As the NBA season chugs along, trade rumors will only continue to heat up.
One of the most recent names in the rumor mill is San Antonio Spurs big man Jakob Poeltl, and he could be one of the most popular players in demand before the February 9 deadline.
The Spurs are fully in the mix for that coveted number-one pick in 2023, and San Antonio fans would love nothing more than to land Victory Wembanyama next summer.
It’s no secret that the Spurs could look at dealing some of their trade chips in efforts to solidify their draft odds and look toward the future, especially a guy like Poeltl, whose contract is due up after this season.
3. Teams that could be in the mix to trade for Jakob Poeltl: Toronto Raptors
Currently, the Toronto Raptors have lost five games in a row. It hasn’t been a kind stretch as of late, but Toronto is far from out of the playoff picture. The gift the Raptors have at their disposal is two-fold: time, along with the reality of playing in the Eastern Conference.
The difference between the number 6-seeded New York Knicks and the number 10-seeded Toronto Raptors is just 4.0 games at the moment. Toronto (13-17) has over half the season remaining, of course, and plenty of time to get back on track.
Toronto is also one of the top teams rumored to be in on Poeltl. Although they’re in a tough spot, that doesn’t change the fact that they could make the move for the Spurs big man. Their young and talented core featuring guys like Scottie Barnes, Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet and OG Anunoby is already good enough to compete. They’ve proven as much.
But, adding a big threat down low could be the catalyst that propels them back up the standings. And, don’t forget, the Raptors were the ones who let Poeltl go in the first place. This is their chance to make amends.