The Toronto Raptors are staring down one of the toughest contracts in the league right now with Jakob Poeltl. What once seemed like a sensible investment in a solid starting center has quickly turned into a financial anchor. The fit hasn’t been right, the production hasn’t matched the price tag, and now Toronto is looking for a way out-only to find the market colder than a February night in Ontario.
But in the NBA, situations can shift fast. One blockbuster move can change the entire landscape. And if the Milwaukee Bucks decide to hit the reset button and trade Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Raptors might suddenly find a door opening that had been bolted shut.
Let’s unpack how this could play out-and why it could be a game-changer for Toronto.
The Raptors’ Frontcourt Puzzle
Toronto’s vision is clear: build around Scottie Barnes. And that means finding the right kind of frontcourt partner-someone who can protect the rim, stretch the floor, and let Barnes do what he does best: disrupt, create, and roam defensively. That’s a rare archetype, and the Raptors just watched one of the best fits-Jaren Jackson Jr.-get shipped to Utah.
But there’s another name that fits the bill: Myles Turner.
Turner has long been one of the league’s premier shot-blockers, and his ability to knock down threes makes him a unicorn in today’s big-man landscape. He’s been viewed as an ideal fit next to a ball-dominant forward like Giannis, and in many ways, Barnes presents a similar challenge and opportunity. Turner’s presence would give Barnes the freedom to be a defensive menace, while also helping unclog the paint on offense.
The issue? The Bucks aren’t ready to take on Poeltl’s contract-at least not while they’re still trying to contend.
The Giannis Domino
If Milwaukee decides to trade Giannis before the deadline, everything changes. The Bucks would shift from win-now to rebuild mode, and that opens the door for them to absorb long-term deals in exchange for future assets. That’s where Poeltl comes in.
Suddenly, his contract isn’t just dead weight-it’s a tool. A way for Milwaukee to recoup picks and young talent while eating salary during a rebuild.
A Blueprint for a Deal
So what would a Poeltl-for-Turner swap actually look like?
Toronto sends out Poeltl, along with a trio of assets:
- Their own 2026 first-round pick, which could land in a strong draft class
- Ochai Agbaji, a 3-and-D wing on an expiring deal who’s drawn league-wide interest
- Ja’Kobe Walter, a high-upside two-way wing who’s still on a rookie deal and has time to develop
That’s a compelling package for a team entering a rebuild. Milwaukee gets a first-round pick to replenish their draft capital, a ready-to-contribute wing in Agbaji, and a long-term project in Walter. And while Poeltl’s contract isn’t pretty, it becomes more palatable in a rebuilding context where cap space isn’t a premium.
Would it be enough for the Bucks to part with Turner? Maybe.
Especially now that the Celtics have filled their stretch-big need with Nikola Vucevic, shrinking the market for Turner. If Milwaukee is looking to pivot and stockpile assets, this deal checks a lot of boxes.
Why It Works for Toronto
From the Raptors’ side, this is a no-brainer. They offload a contract that’s been weighing them down and bring in a player who fits their system like a glove. Turner’s floor spacing would open up the offense in a big way, and defensively, he could form a formidable trio with Barnes and Brandon Ingram.
More than that, this move keeps Toronto flexible. By clearing Poeltl’s deal and adding a player who fits both now and in the future, they position themselves for another major swing this offseason. With four first-round picks and the matching salaries of Immanuel Quickley or RJ Barrett, the Raptors could be in prime position to make a run at a star if one hits the market.
This wouldn’t just be a smart move-it could be a foundational one.
From Stuck to Strategic
What started as a contract conundrum could turn into a franchise-altering pivot. If the Bucks decide to move Giannis, and the Raptors can flip Poeltl into Turner while adding future flexibility, it’s the kind of move that reshapes a team’s trajectory.
It’s not flashy. It’s not a headline-stealing blockbuster. But it’s the kind of strategic, forward-thinking deal that good front offices make when they’re building something real.
And for Toronto, it might just be the first step from middling to meaningful.