Toronto Raptors face obstacles in reacquiring Jakob Poeltl

The Toronto Raptors are reportedly interested in bringing back 2016 first round draft pick Jakob Poeltl, but it won’t be straightforward.

The Toronto Raptors have been on a roll lately, winning seven of their previous nine games. However, as has been the case ever since Masai Ujiri returned in 2013, this is an organisation which is never satisfied.

As per Sports Illustrated‘s Aaron Rose, the Raptors are apparently interested in reacquiring Jakob Poeltl ahead of the Feb. 10 trade deadline. The speculation was initially reported by NBA correspondent Marc Stein.

The Raptors are well-placed to know what Poeltl is capable of, after selecting him ninth overall in the 2016 NBA draft. He only left as he was part of the deal that helped acquire Kawhi Leonard, which propelled Toronto to their first NBA championship in franchise history.

Poeltl has seen a steady improvement in his play since being traded to San Antonio, no surprise when Gregg Popovich is your head coach. Now in 2021-22, he is enjoying his best season yet.

Established as a regular starter, the 26-year-old is on course for career highs in average points, rebounds and assists per contest. There is little doubt he could help a Raptors team lacking in strong and reliable options at the centre position.

The challenge is, how willing would the Spurs be to actually part company with Poeltl? While they are struggling this season, he is the type of component who Popovich would arguably like to keep around as the organisation strives to rebuild a contender.

Further, the Raptors have to consider the cap implications, even though Poeltl salary for this season and next is manageable at $8.75 million and $9.4 million respectively. As per Rose, Toronto is just $268,420 below the luxury tax threshold.

Being owned by MLSE, the Raptors certainly have the financial backing. However, the understanding is they are reluctant to exceed the luxury tax threshold this season.

The most obvious trade in this respect, would be to move Goran Dragic and his $19.44 million salary. However, pending what else Toronto can offer, it’s tough to imagine Popovich wanting someone who will become a UFA after this season and isn’t exactly a prime example of a team player.

The Raptors will probably have a better chance in offering someone such as Chris Boucher, along with one or more future first round draft picks. It might even be a case of still offering Dragic in this scenario.

Overall, Poeltl would almost certainly improve the Raptors and help them contend come playoff time. However — again pending the Spurs’ stance — Toronto has to be careful about how much they’re prepared to give up for someone who won’t elevate them to one of the championship favourites.

What is your level of interest in the Toronto Raptors bringing Poeltl back? What kind of package would you be prepared to offer to reacquire him? Let us know in the comments section below.