The Toronto Raptors are chasing Cooper Flagg. They have just nine wins and the fourth-worst record in the NBA at the midway point. Toronto should be focused on adding draft picks and young talent ahead of the Feb. 6 trade deadline. To accomplish that goal, the Raptors should sell off the veterans who are not part of their core.
Fans hear the trade rumors for Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, and Chris Boucher, but the Raptors should not stop there. Jakob Poeltl turns 30 in 2025. The seven-footer has not helped his team reach the playoffs in his five years as a primary starter. The rebuild should have Toronto questioning every player on their roster.
Poeltl has flaws. He does not space the floor, and the Raptors are 27th in defensive rating on the season. The franchise should trade him to a contender before the deadline. This is their chance to get some value and reset at the five.
Jakob Poeltl should not be on the Raptors after the trade deadline
The Raptors are better on both ends of the floor with Poeltl on the court, but they have a negative-4.8 net rating in his minutes. He is in his prime, but not helping them win. Toronto is likely multiple years away from being a serious contender. Poeltl can become a free agent in the summer of 2026 if he declines his player option. The franchise will likely have to give him a multi-year deal that goes into his mid-30s to keep him.
The door is open to move on when Poeltl is having a career year. They won't get every penny they paid in return, but something is better than losing for nothing or paying for the downside of his career.
Acquiring Poeltl was a regrettable trade for the Raptors. They gave up three draft picks, including the eighth overall selection in 2024 to get him and have not made the playoffs since. Toronto ended up rebuilding less than one year after acquiring him. The Raps gave up too much and have little to show for it. They should cut their losses and move on.
Poeltl averages 14.8 points, 10.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.2 blocks in 32.1 minutes per game. He is playing more than ever and rates well above the league average in win shares per 48 minutes. Some team will convince themselves that Poeltl is their needed answer at the five.
Young talent and draft capital should be the focus of the return. Masai Ujiri and the Raptors should not be afraid to take things right up to the deadline. Finding a desperate franchise in need of a fix would increase their return. They won't get what they paid, but that sunk cost cannot prevent them from making a deal.
Jakob Poeltl should not stay on the Toronto Raptors beyond the 2025 trade deadline. It is time for Masai Ujiri to trade the veterans and fully embrace their rebuild. Poeltl should not be the only one dealt. It will increase their odds of getting Cooper Flagg and improve their flexibility. Stay tuned to see if it happens.