What’s next for the Raptors following 2023 NBA trade deadline? Toronto stands pat, lands Jakob Poeltl
In the weeks leading up to the 2023 NBA trade deadline, the Raptors were considered the epicenter of the trade market.
With several valuable players like Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet, OG Anunoby and Gary Trent Jr. reportedly on the block, it seemed inevitable that Toronto would make a splash as a seller.
The night before the deadline, the Raptors bitched when everyone expected them to jab, trading Khem Birch, a first-round pick and two second-round picks for a familiar face at Spurs center Jakob Poeltl.
However, the outbound trades had to come on the day of the deadline, right? Incorrect.
As the 3:00 p.m. ET deadline neared, the NBA world collectively awaited the tweet notification of an anticipated blockbuster deal from Toronto. When it struck 3:01 p.m. ET and no deal materialized, there was a moment when it said, “There must be something on the way.”
As it turns out, the Raptors chose to stick with their current core, with their only move being to add a rim-protecting Big—one of the team’s greatest needs.
Now that the trading deadline has passed, what does this mean for the future of Toronto? The Sporting News breaks it all down.
After a quiet trading period in 2023, what’s next for the Raptors?
Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet, OG Anunoby and Gary Trent Jr. remain
While there was never any real expectation that Siakam would be delayed before the deadline, the same cannot be said for VanVleet, Anunoby or Trent.
VanVleet has been affiliated with several different teams, from the Clippers to the Suns to the Magic and even the Lakers. Trent’s name has been mentioned alongside some of these teams, as have others such as the Mavericks.
Anunoby appeared to be the most likely Raptor to trade as of the deadline, with reports going so far as teams like the Pelicans and Grizzlies were in a “bidding war” for Defensive Player of the Year nominee.
How did the deadline pass without poaching any of these coveted players?
“The opportunity for a blockbuster trade wasn’t there for us,” said team president Masai Ujiri at a press conference after the deadline. “It’s not really a great place to make long-term decisions,” he added of the season deadline.
Before 15:00 there were rumors that the warriors were interested in Anunoby, but Golden State was reportedly unwilling to meet Toronto’s asking price 20-year-old former top 10 pick Jonathan Kuminga, other players And draft picks.
Rather than force a trade, the Raptors choose to play out the season and return to the drawing board during the offseason.
“We have good young talented players. Does that fit together? We hope. … If not, we’re in a great position to revitalize this team.” Ujiri spoke about the future of the franchise.
As of deadline, the Raptors (26-30) tie with the Wizards in 10th place and hold last place in the play-in tournament with 26 games remaining.
The new addition of the former raptor Jakob Pöltl
The Raptors’ only move as of deadline was to bring in a familiar face in Spurs center Pöltl. Toronto sent Khem Birch, a 2024 first-round pick (top-6 protected) and two future second-round picks to San Antonio to fill in one of its biggest gaps.
The Raptors selected Poeltl 9th overall in the 2016 NBA draft. He played in Toronto for two seasons before being traded to San Antonio with DeMar DeRozan in the famous Kawhi Leonard Trade.
Here’s what The Sporting News’ Scott Rafferty had to say about the Raptors’ only acquisition that gave Toronto a B+ for his move:
It’s no secret that the Raptors have lacked size at center. Pöltl ticks the box.
Poeltl stands at 7-foot-1 and has a wingspan of 7-foot-1. He’s a massive presence at the basket and has established himself as one of the better rebounders and rim protectors at his position. He’s not a great scorer, but he plays with himself on offense and can put pressure on teams as a roller and cutter.
Poeltl has a history with Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet and Nick Nurse. As long as Siakam and VanVleet are still on the team after the trade deadline, this should make for an easy transition.
If you want a deeper breakdown of Poeltl’s play, click here.
Analysis of the draft picks traded for Jakob Poeltl
The Raptors gave up a protected top-four pick and two future second-round picks in 2024 to acquire Poeltl.
While Toronto currently has the ninth best chance (4.5%) of winning the No. 1 overall pick in the highly anticipated 2023 NBA draft, its decision to send a lightly protected first-round pick in 2024 shows the team expects to be back to be the mix as a consolidated playoff team next season.
The Raptors would not be willing to part with such draft capital if they felt it could be of greater value than the player they are receiving in return.
Ujiri had this to say about the team’s decision to swap a first-round pick: “We studied that [2024] Draft a lot and I think [a center] is something that was missing in our team. … I think we needed a big one like Jak.”
Looking to the offseason
The Raptors now have some decisions to make as VanVleet, Trent Jr. and Poeltl — three players who could become free agents this offseason — are all on the roster after the deadline.
VanVleet has a $22.8 million player option for the 2023-24 season and could choose to test the unrestricted free hand if he so chooses.
Trent Jr. has an $18.6 million player option for the 2023-24 season and could also choose to try the unrestricted free hand if he so desires.
Poeltl is slated to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, though it’s hard to believe the Raptors would give up a 2024 first-round pick and two future second-round picks if they didn’t intend to rejoin the 27-year-old oblige. old big man.
“We’re always focused on retaining our players,” Ujiri said of the Raptors’ contract situation this offseason, before saying each player’s performance will be a part of the evaluation for the rest of the season. according to Sportsnet’s Blake Murphy.
All contract details courtesy of Spotrac.