Jakob Poeltl trade rumors: Top 3 potential landing spots for San Antonio Spurs' big man
The San Antonio Spurs will be looking to move on Jakob Poeltl before the NBA trade deadline.
Gregg Popovich’s team is intent on tanking and have a record of 13-31. The likes of Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson and Tre Jones have seen significant improvements in their games. The next step for the team is to consider potential trades for their veteran players, and Poeltl is one of their only assets.
Spurs are in a difficult position when it comes to Poeltl. The organization has reportedly had a standing offer of a four-year, $58 million extension on the table for Poeltl since before the season began. However, Poeltl is yet to accept it.
The 27-year-old big man is expected to be a hot commodity as the trade deadline approaches and has been averaging 12.1 points, 9.5 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game, while shooting 62.4 percent from the field. The following article looks at three potential landing spots for Poeltl that can prove to be a good fit.
Jakob Poeltl Drawing Lots Of Trade Interest basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/270020…
NBA Trade Rumors: 3 landing spots for San Antonio Spurs’ Jacob Poeltl
#3 Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics have been in search of a dominant big man for quite some time now. Last season, Al Horford's return to the team helped solidify their presence down low, but the team is in need of a younger option who can play deeper into games and offer more minutes each night. Poeltl, the 27-year-old center currently on the San Antonio Spurs roster, could offer the Celtics just that.
Poeltl would provide a true inside presence for the team, something that Horford, who is now more of a shooter, is unable to do as much. Having Poeltl as a post presence would also open up more opportunities on the perimeter for the team's stars, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, and also give more space for the team's three-point shooters.
A lot of new info on Jakob Poeltl in Sham's latest intel as Poeltl has gained "significant trade interest" by teams like Toronto & Boston.
Shams also reports that Poeltl declined an extension offer with him being able to net more money in free agency.
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If the Celtics were to acquire Poeltl and re-sign him next year, it would give them a true big 3, and the franchise certainly has the assets to make the trade happen.
#2 Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Raptors are expected to make multiple moves before the NBA trade deadline and have been continuously linked with Jakob Poeltl. It is easy to see why. The Raptors also have the assets and are looking for a dominant big man for a number of years.
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Their young and talented core, which includes players like Scottie Barnes, Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet, and OG Anunoby, is already strong enough to compete. Adding a big threat down low in Poeltl could be the catalyst that propels the Raptors back up the standings.
It is also worth noting that the Raptors were the ones who let Poeltl go in the first place. This presents them with an opportunity to make amends and bring him back to the team.
#1 Washington Wizards
Another team that can do well with a shakeup are the Washington Wizards. Beal is currently on a massive contract, while Kyle Kuzma’s contract is also expiring soon. Poeltl would provide the Wizards with a strong post presence and open up more opportunities on the perimeter for players like Beal and Kuzma.
Per Pincus here: "Teams like the Clippers, Warriors, and Lakers may have an interest in Jakob Poeltl." More about many other teams in the article. twitter.com/EricPincus/sta… https://t.co/mviVwOJ9uV
The Wizards are currently 12th in the Eastern Conference and can still make a push for the playoffs. Although Daniel Gafford and former All-Star Kristaps Porzingis have not played badly for the team, adding another interior presence in the form of Jakob Poeltl could make the Wizards a top-10 rebounding team in the league and give them the firepower they need to make a playoff push in the Eastern Conference.