The Toronto Raptors are rolling into next season with Jakob Poeltl once again slated to start at center. However, that doesn’t mean he’s necessarily slated to end the season in that same role or even with the Raptors, especially if the Chicago Bulls make Nic Claxton available.
It’s been clear for some time that Poeltl is the weakest link in Toronto’s starting five, and the long-term extension he signed isn’t helping his case. When you have a projected starting five of Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, Scottie Barnes, and Kawhi Leonard, the ideal center is someone who finishes plays and protects the basket at an elite level. At this point, Poeltl is moving further and further away from being that player, but Claxton isn’t.
With the Bulls under new management, they acquired Claxton via a four-team trade that saw them give up only former Raptor Mouhamadou Gueye. Given his low price, it was a no-brainer for a center-needy team like Chicago to pull the trigger. While Clax is only 27 years old, he doesn’t feel like the Bulls' long-term solution at the five, and if the Raptors were willing to part with draft capital, Chicago would likely entertain a Poeltl for Claxton swap.
Claxton would be a huge upgrade
Bulls’ new Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations, Bryson Graham, made it clear that the Bulls won’t be back to greatness overnight, and it’s going to take patience to build a real winner.
To me, that sounds like the Bulls wouldn’t mind selling off veterans at the deadline or throughout the season to gain more assets to help grow their young core. What that also sounds like to me is Chicago probably wouldn’t mind taking in long-term money, because they aren’t in the midst of a contention window like the Raptors are. This makes the Bulls an ideal suitor for Poeltl if Toronto was looking to upgrade their center spot at some point this season.
For Toronto, Claxton would be perfect, as even though he comes in at a higher price point than Poeltl this season, he only has one more year on his deal after 2026-27. Which, compared to the $84-plus million Poeltl is owed from 2027-30, is a massive difference and could give the Raptors the financial flexibility needed to keep their window open. Aside from the money side of things, Claxton would also just flat out be a massive upgrade.
Offensively, he's a high-level lob threat, is more than capable in the pick-and-roll, and is a solid hub passer, averaging 3.7 assists per game last season. He also is a strong offensive rebounder who could help keep possessions alive and create second chances because of his high motor and relentless activity.
Defensively, he’d bring the athleticism and rim-protecting capabilities Raptors fans have been begging for at the center spot. Clax is far more than just a rim protector, though, as his athleticism and agility make him a strong perimeter defender who can hold his own against wings and even some guards. Adding him to the mix defensively would give Toronto the ability to roll out lineups where the defense is fully switchable, which is something that hasn’t been possible in recent years.
If the Bulls decide to sell off some of their veterans in hopes of acquiring more draft picks at some point next season, the Raptors have to call about Nic Claxton.
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