NBA rumors: Raptors signing Jakob Poeltl far from a sure thing

After trading a future first-round draft choice to acquire Jakob Poeltl from the San Antonio Spurs, the Toronto Raptors were widely expected to keep the Austrian big man in town long-term. When he performed better than most expected, it seemed like a virtual certainty he would return long-term.

While Poeltl was unable to get the Raptors into the playoffs, and many rightfully criticized Masai Ujiri for buying at a time when they could have capitalized on some of their incumbent players, he did make their defense borderline elite when he was on the floor and fixed one of their biggest issues.

Reports earlier in the offseason made it seem like Poeltl coming back to Toronto was a virtual lock. Considering the price they paid, it makes sense as to why Ujiri would be so bullish on bringing him back. Unfortunately, Raptors fans can’t exhale just yet.

According to Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle, the Raptors getting Poeltl back is far from a sure thing, with Feigen mentioning that Poeltl could be more available than most think. Toronto should still be in the pole position for him very clearly, but they shouldn’t think that him coming back is a done deal.

NBA Rumors: Will the Toronto Raptors keep Jakob Poeltl?

Poeltl averaged 13.1 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game with the Raptors, all while helping the Raptors play 14.1 points per 100 possessions better when he was on the floor. The team needed a center in the worst way possible, and Poeltl helped them find a perfect big for what they needed.

Poeltl will likely be seeking a three or four-year contract that compensates him well. While some might believe that a new head coach in Darko Rajakovic might implement a scheme that makes Poeltl less important than Nick Nurse’s alignment, the new regime might actually be just as good for him.

Rajakovic has a history of working with gargantuan wim protectors like Steven Adams and Jaren Jackson Jr. during his stints with Oklahoma City and Memphis. Rajakovic will also like that Poeltl can still be a tremendous finisher inside without demanding tons of touches or shots on offense.

If Poeltl leaves the Raptors, teams like the Rockets and Thunder would likely be able to throw a ton of money at Poeltl as they try to get some more frontcourt skill. Toronto needs to come out swinging and convince the former Top 10 pick they are the best spot for him long-term.