The Toronto Raptors are going through a major slump.
With a 3-12 record and numerous injuries, Darko Rajakovic’s team faces a challenging season ahead.
Notably, they might also look to part ways with some of their veterans.
Evan Sidery of Forbes Sports reported that there might be several suitors for Jakob Poeltl.
Jakob Poeltl is a player many contending teams are hoping hits the trade market.
Poeltl is putting together a career-best season averaging 17.1 points, 11.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.3 blocks.
If the Raptors make Poeltl available by February, expect significant interest. pic.twitter.com/h3GtkJawbq
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) November 19, 2024
The veteran big man is having the best season of his nine-year career, averaging 17.1 points, 11.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.3 blocks per game.
Poeltl has never been much of an offensive force because that has never been his role, but with the Raptors struggling to field players, he’s making the most of expanded touches on the offensive end of the floor.
He’s putting the ball on the floor more often and wants to be more aggressive and dunk on people.
Poeltl has always been a strong rebounder and rim protector, and while he doesn’t get enough credit for his pick-and-roll defense, he excels at it.
He still has two years left in his contract.
He will make $19.5 million next season and has a player option for another $19.5 million in 2026-27.
Those numbers are pretty team-friendly, even if whoever trades for him only manages to keep him on a one-year rental before flipping him again.
There aren’t many big men available with the potential to be plug-and-play additions on a championship contender, and with the Raptors struggling so badly, he’s a prime trade candidate this season.
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