As the NBA season heats up, the New York Knicks and Toronto Raptors continue to navigate their paths in a flustered, top-heavy Eastern Conference. However, it appears that only one of these storied franchises is poised for a deep playoff run this year.
Unfortunately for Raptors fans, it seems their team may be on the outside looking in this year amid a season of building towards a brighter future. With a sparkling lineup and fierce determination, the Knicks appear primed for a shot at glory, while the Raptors are left pondering how to navigate the turbulent waters of a challenging season.
For the Knicks, however, things aren’t entirely perfect. While their starting lineup ranks among the strongest in the league, there are certainly areas that could use a boost. For one, their bench is relatively weak, with the exception of standout sixth man, Miles McBride. Additionally, the team has felt the absence of their bull-strong center, Mitchell Robinson, whose continuous injury woes has left their center depth lacking.
The Raptors undoubtedly share a similar concern regarding their lack of depth at the center position. However, when it comes to their starting center, Jakob Poeltl, he has successfully revitalized his NBA career and is now recognized as one of the league's most underrated centers.
Although recent reports indicate that the Raptors' veteran center Jakob Poeltl is likely to remain with the team for the foreseeable future, basketball commentators continue to generate hypothetical trade scenarios.
In a recent trade proposal by Jed Katz of New York Knicks on Sports Illustrated, he presents an idea in which Poeltl is sent to the Empire State. In return, the Toronto Raptors would receive a dominant yet relatively fragile center, along with a former Raptor returning for a second stint.
Laying out the details of the trade
So what would a hypothetical trade package surrounding Jakob Poeltl look like between the Raptors and Knicks? Here are the key puzzle pieces involved as mentioned by Jed Kats of New York Knicks on Sports Illustrated:
In evaluating Toronto's return, the Raptors need not worry about a shortage of centers after trading Poeltl; however, one could argue that both players received in return represent a downgrade at the position.
Mitchell Robinson is undeniably impressive—don't misunderstand us. He embodies the big, imposing presence that a team like the Toronto Raptors desperately needs, especially when it comes to asserting themselves around the rim, aside from Poeltl.
But here's the catch: Robinson's health is a significant concern. When he's fully engaged and at peak performance, you can rely on Mitch Rob. Unfortunately, his condition mirrors that of Blazers center Robert Williams III; both are exceptional talents who shine in bursts, but dependability at 100% is a rarity.
While a reunion with Precious Achiuwa feels rather unexpected, to be honest. If the Raptors had genuinely believed in his development and fit within the team, they wouldn’t have included him in last year's Knicks-OG Anunoby trade; they would have simply kept him around.
Achiuwa may have made some strides in his game since departing Toronto, but he’s hardly the standout former Raptor that most fans would eagerly envision making a comeback. If we're honest, a far more fitting choice for a return would be the current Wizards center, Jonas Valanciunas.
In simple terms, bringing Achiuwa back would just feel awkward—his time in Toronto feels like a chapter best left closed. It seems that all parties involved have moved on, and that’s just fine.
Moreover, the draft pick arriving in Toronto from Golden State fails to emerge as an intriguing trade asset, as it is likely to land in the latter half of the second round.
Should the Raptors make this trade?
The Knicks could undoubtedly benefit from some enhancements at the center position, and Jakob Poeltl would certainly be a fitting choice. However, what exactly entices Toronto in this scenario? It’s akin to trading a mega-sized bag of chips for a mere dollar-store bag—hardly a fair exchange.
No disrespect intended to the two gentlemen, Robinson and Achiuwa, but if the Raptors were truly serious about trading Poeltl, they wouldn't even consider this subpar trade package.
While it’s highly unlikely that Poeltl is untouchable, the Raptors—particularly Masai Ujiri—are a savvy front office, well, at least most of the time. They would likely consider trade scenarios that involve one or two relatively young players, as well as some form of valuable first-round draft capital being sent back in the exchange.
This Knicks deal simply isn't cutting it. Just take a look at what prompted Toronto to part ways with OG Anunoby. Yes, they lost a defensive dynamo, but in return, the Raptors pulled off a savvy two-for-one deal by acquiring young Knicks talents Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett—players who would become crucial building blocks in their rebuild.
While it's clear that Jakob Poeltl may not be in the same league as OG Anunoby, the contributions he brings to the table certainly warrant a more favorable deal than the paltry offering of two average bigs and a mediocre draft pick.
Indeed, much like Anunoby's stellar defense once worked wonders for the Raptors, Poeltl's presence in the paint has become a game-changer for Toronto. Just take a look at the nights he hasn't suited up; it's then that the team's efforts descend into historic levels of chaos.
If you’re Masai Ujiri and his team, it’s wise to just hold onto Poeltl at all costs, and set your sights on a promising future.
Grade: C+