The Toronto Raptors were supposed to be the most important seller at the 2023 NBA Trade Deadline, as names like Fred VanVleet and OG Anunoby were discussed as potential trade chips. However, Toronto made their first move of the deadline as a buyer, acquiring Jakob Poeltl from the San Antonio Spurs.
Anunoby and VanVleet had been connected to all sorts of teams in the last few days, as Western contenders like the Pelicans and Grizzlies were trying to pry OG away from Toronto. VanVleet was linked to the Nets as recently as a few days ago, but their move for Spencer Dinwiddie and draft compensation ultimately never materialized.
Even after the Poeltl deal, Toronto had some areas of need. The lack of 3-point shooting was not addressed, nor was the fact that the bench outside of Precious Achiuwa (and whoever is kicked to the second unit once Poeltl arrives) is subpar. Instead, Masai Ujiri decided to forge ahead with what he’s got.
The Raptors didn’t make any moves at the deadline outside of the Poeltl transaction, signaling that Ujiri and Toronto are expected to run it back with the same starting lineup once again. What was the line about the definition of insanity?
The Raptors never turned out to be sellers, adding Spurs center Jakob Poeltl on deadline day. They'll have to make some harder decisions in the offseason, but Masai Ujiri and Bobby Webster tested and learned more about the value of several players.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 9, 2023
The Toronto Raptors did not trade OG Anunoby or Fred VanVleet.
While the Poeltl trade does fill an immediate need for this franchise, the fact that Toronto is committed to running it back with a roster that hasn’t worked all season long is very strange. If they want to lean on Scottie Barnes and Pascal Siakam, that’s fine. Why, then, are they refusing to get them a bench? Why is Barnes still the fifth option?
Poeltl is a free agent after this season, and Trent and VanVleet will certainly decline their player options to become free agents. Siakam is in line for a hefty new contract, and Barnes’ hypothetical next deal will go well beyond nine figures. Rather than trading a starter for multiple bench standouts and picks now, when their value is high, Toronto didn’t pull the trigger.
The Raptors are definitely a better team today than they were a week ago. If that was Ujiri’s goal, he succeeded. The problem lies in the fact that the Raptors are committing themselves to a style of basketball that hasn’t translated to any victories this season.
The Toronto Raptors are acquiring San Antonio Spurs center Jakob Poeltl for Khem Birch, a protected 2024 first-round draft pick and two future second-round picks, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/9Iz7KFCd20
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 9, 2023
The addition of Poeltl will help their rim protection, and the Raptors could make a legitimate charge at a play-in spot this season. Making the postseason should never be discouraged. However, they just painted a huge target on their back next season. If they don’t make some progress, things could get ugly.