3 most untouchable Toronto Raptors in offseason trade talks

The Toronto Raptors seem ready to go into the 2023-24 season with many of the key figures from last year back and ready to get the squad in the postseason once again. This comes to the chagrin of many fans and observers who wanted to see a more earnest rebuild.

Toronto appears to have hit a ceiling with their Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby-led core, which had many trying to figure out ways to swipe some of Toronto’s top talents. That may still happen if Darko Rajakovic tanks early on in the season, but there are some players who won’t be on the market.

Due to Toronto facing some serious difficulties when trying to land free agents thanks to their geographical challenges, the Raptors have often prized their own drafting and retention of their own free agents. While Fred VanVleet bolted, multiple other key names remain firmly in place.

These three Raptors players are not going anywhere anytime soon, as Masai Ujiri and Bobby Webster have deemed them to be too irreplaceable and vital to Toronto’s cause. No matter what happens next, Rajakovic can coach, knowing these players are locked in for the future.

3 Toronto Raptors players who should be untouchable.

3. Jakob Poeltl

The Raptors seem to be as smitten with Poeltl as any team in the league. Not only did they give up what will likely be a lottery pick to acquire him for a half-season last year, but one of the first moves any team pulled off in free agency was Toronto locking down Poeltl with a four-year contract.

While he came to Toronto too late to change the scope of the season, the defensive numbers after he arrived for his second stint north of the border were astonishing. Even with Christian Koloko marinating behind him, Poeltl will be the top dog for quite some time.

Jakob Poeltl is very important for the Toronto Raptors.

Not only has Rajakovic shown that he can turn big men like Steven Adams and Jaren Jackson Jr. into high-end starters on playoff teams during his career, but he will try everything he can to make sure that the team’s strong defense from last season remains intact.

The Raptors don’t need a dominant scorer at center, but they do need a shot-blocker and rebounder with height that can supplement the offense with above-average passing. Poeltl’s style of play fits this roster, and he should be a big part of the solution for this team going forward.