Jakob Poeltl’s name continues to be at the center of trade talks as the Feb. 6 trade deadline fast approaches.
According to Marc Stein, the Raptors are resisting “mounting trade interest” in Poeltl despite the team being in a rebuild. However, it’s easy to see why the Raptors wouldn’t want to part ways with the 29-year-old. He has proven to be the team’s most valuable player and he’s Toronto’s only reliable big man, especially on the defensive end.
Poeltl has been having the best season of his career with averages of 15.4 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists through 30 games. When Poeltl doesn’t play the Raptors seem to be a train wreck. Toronto is 0-5 this season and 4-33 dating back to last season in games where Poeltl didn’t suit up.
If the Raptors feel they can bounce back next season with a potential top-5 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, then keeping Poeltl is the obvious choice here. Also, the Raptors had to pay a steep price for him going back to the 2023 trade deadline. Toronto sent Khem Birch, two second-round picks, and a lightly protected first-round pick, which ultimately turned into the No. 8 pick in last year’s draft, to acquire Poeltl.
The Raptors wouldn’t want to give up Poeltl for anything less than a significant return with a first-round pick at the minimum included. At this point, offers for Poeltl are unclear but based on recent trades that have taken place in the NBA, first-round picks seem hard to attain for role players.
The Raptors are already thin at the center position to begin with so it doesn’t seem likely they would even rush a deal for Poeltl before the deadline, anyway.
If the Raptors are busy making moves at the deadline, Bruce Brown and Kelly Olynyk are reportedly the most likely candidates to be traded, according to Stein.
Both players would make sense on playoff contenders looking to add depth and experience. Brown’s on an expiring $23 million contract, which could be difficult to move. Meanwhile, Olynyk’s two-year, $26.3 million contract seems more manageable to move.
It doesn’t appear that Brown or Olynyk will command anything substantial in return. Second-round picks seem likely to be the most valuable part of a potential deal for either player. However, the Raptors could still use this as an opportunity to load up on draft capital moving forward.
RJ Barrett set to return against Bucks
The Raptors could finally see their projected starting five on the floor when they host the Milwaukee Bucks.
Barrett missed the last three games due to illness and he is officially listed as questionable, but he seems to be trending towards playing, via Sports Illustrated’s Aaron Rose.
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