It’s going to take a lot for the Toronto Raptors to give up Jakob Poeltl.
The Raptors are seeking more than just a first-round pick, maybe even two to trade away Poeltl ahead of the Feb. 6 deadline, per Dan Woike of the LA Times.
Poeltl has been a valuable piece for the Raptors and he fills a big frontcourt void for the team. The Raptors have “resisted” opposing teams’ interest in the starting center, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.
The Los Angeles Lakers have been connected to many centers in the trade market. Anthony Davis recently told ESPN’s Shams Charania that he would prefer to play the power forward position next to a true big man. However, the Lakers are not expected to pursue Poeltl, per Woike. The Lakers do have two future first-round picks, but they would also likely have to include Rui Hachimura in a deal for Poeltl.
Poeltl it playing the best basketball of his career, averaging 14.7 points and 10.4 rebounds per game this season.
It’s becoming more likely that the Raptors are going to keep him beyond the trade deadline buzzer.
Veteran players such as Kelly Olynyk, Chris Boucher and Bruce Brown could be moved by Toronto ahead of the deadline.
Garrett Temple praises Scottie Barnes’ defense
Scottie Barnes has been playing the best defense of his career.
Garrett Temple recently talked about Barnes raising his game as of late.
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