Asking price for Raptors trade target Jakob Poeltl revealed

The Toronto Raptors might need to make some additions to the bench in order to go over the top and become a legit playoff team in the Eastern Conference. Given their lack of amazing center play and the San Antonio Spurs‘ potential desire to sell, Jakob Poeltl would make a ton of sense as a trade target.

Poeltl, who was drafted ninth overall by Toronto in 2016 and subsequently traded to San Antonio in the Kawhi Leonard deal, has come into his own as an elite interior defender this season. Poeltl is averaging 13.3 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game for the Spurs this year.

If Toronto wants him, they are going to have to give San Antonio quite the enticing package. Based on the latest reports, the Spurs would want a player that could help them stabilize the frontcourt in addition to some draft capital that will help them rebuild in the future.

Marc Stein is reporting (subscription required) that San Antonio is asking for a first-round pick and a quality player in exchange for Poeltl. The vagueness of the word “quality” is doing a ton of heavy lifting here, but it shows that the Spurs won’t give Poeltl away for peanuts.

Toronto Raptors rumors: Can they trade for Jakob Poeltl?

Toronto has been flaunting the idea of attaching a first-round pick to Goran Dragic to get him on the move. However, not only will Dragic’s salary make it impossible to trade for Poeltl straight up, but playing for a rebuilding San Antonio team might not be something he wants to do.

Chris Boucher, a free agent at the end of this season, could appeal to the Spurs. They’ll get a close look at a potential starter in the frontcourt and a draft pick while the Raptors will be able to bring Poeltl back to Toronto and give this team a shot-blocker and rebounder with experience.

Stein also reported that the Bulls, who have more tangible bench assets to part with in a trade, are interested in trading for Poeltl. While they might lack the draft capital Toronto has, they might be able to beat the Raptors to the punch if Arturas Karnisovas is aggressive enough. Perhaps this will motivate Toronto to get a deal done.

Bringing Poeltl back would be more than just a heartwarming reunion story. Toronto needs some height and rim protection if they want to stave off the deluge of competitors in the East. If it costs a player and a pick, Masai Ujiri needs to consider making this happen.