This past offseason was not particularly star-studded for the Toronto Raptors, but they still made a few moves here and there. They welcomed back respected veteran Garrett Temple, added some promising youngsters like Collin Murray-Boyles, Alijah Martin, and Chucky Hepburn, and took a chance on underrated big man Sandro Mamukelashvili, who is already looking like a solid addition for the upcoming season.
Speaking of big men, the Raptors also extended their veteran center Jakob Poeltl this past July, with him opting in early to his 2026-27 player option worth $19.5 million. As per the terms of his new deal, an additional three years were added, bringing the total to $104 million over four years.
Right after the extension news, I noted that while the cost seems high for what many consider to be a mid-tier center, it was a 'necessary evil' since Toronto’s stats show they struggle whenever Poeltl is out. Last season, Toronto went 9-16 in games without Jakob Poeltl, and I vividly remember two matchups against the Memphis Grizzlies where the Raptors were absolutely obliterated, thanks in large part to monster performances by rookie Zach Edey.
But even with his significant impact in mind, it’s difficult for some in the basketball discussion circles to ignore the high cost Toronto paid to keep Poeltl in town. That’s exactly what ESPN analysts Brian Windhorst and Tim Bontemps mentioned in a recent episode of The Hoop Collective podcast (YouTube link here): "That Jakob Poeltl extension, baby... oof," Windhorst said, and Bontemps replied, "No, it’s not great."
Recent Jakob Poeltl-Raptors extension carries a sense of negative connotation
Although Bontemps was somewhat playing devil's advocate after his comments on the Poeltl extension, he mentioned that he isn't a fan of Toronto's recent perceived contract missteps, like the Brandon Ingram trade and extension or the Immanuel Quickley extension. Still, he believes that with their mix of solid to above-average talent, Toronto can win a decent number of NBA games.
Did the Raptors have to slightly overpay to keep Poeltl around? I don’t think anyone will deny that. But if you’re going to dismiss Poeltl’s crucial role on the team, even though he doesn’t space the floor, you’re missing what he brings. His strengths — whether it’s setting strong screens, his work in the pick-and-roll, or scoring in the post — have consistently been a benefit to Toronto.
But an occasional "oof" when discussing his extension, as Windhorst comically reacted with, is certainly understandable.