Raptors Prioritize Jakob Poeltl as Trade Season Heats Up - But Will That Last?
With the NBA’s trade season officially underway following the Dec. 15 milestone, the Toronto Raptors are entering the next phase of their roster evaluation - and for now, Jakob Poeltl remains firmly in their plans.
According to recent reports, the Raptors are hoping to retain Poeltl through any in-season moves, rather than include him in potential trade packages. That’s a clear signal from the front office: while upgrades to the frontcourt are on the radar, Poeltl isn’t currently viewed as expendable.
Toronto’s interest in bolstering the frontcourt is real, with names like Domantas Sabonis and Anthony Davis reportedly catching their attention. But any major shakeups likely hinge on how the current group performs over the coming weeks. The Raptors aren’t rushing into anything - the Feb. 5 trade deadline is still a ways off, and the team is using this stretch to determine just how competitive this roster can be.
Poeltl’s Role in the Raptors’ Plans
Poeltl’s season so far has been a mixed bag. He’s averaging 10.1 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 0.6 blocks per game - numbers that are down across the board compared to last year.
His scoring is at its lowest since the 2020-21 season, and his block numbers haven’t been this low since 2018-19. He’s also playing 26.2 minutes per game over 20 contests, while shooting an efficient 69% from the field.
But the numbers don’t tell the whole story. Poeltl has been dealing with a nagging back injury that’s clearly impacted his mobility and effectiveness.
That context matters when evaluating his production - and perhaps more importantly, his trade value. Right now, it’s not particularly high, which makes Toronto’s decision to hold onto him a logical one.
Rather than selling low on a player they believe can still contribute meaningfully, the Raptors appear more inclined to build around him - or at least alongside him - as they explore ways to reinforce the frontcourt.
A Market in Motion
It’s worth noting that Poeltl isn’t eligible to be traded until Jan. 7 due to the extension he signed over the summer. That timing gives the Raptors a bit more runway to see how he progresses health-wise and whether he can return to form. That extension, by the way, is starting to look a little pricey given his current output, but the Raptors aren’t panicking.
Toronto is in a strong position when it comes to trade capital. They control all of their future first-round picks, which puts them in the conversation for any star that might unexpectedly become available. If a big name - say, someone from Milwaukee - hits the market, the Raptors have the assets to be serious players.
But for now, the focus is internal. The front office is watching closely, and while it’s too early to know exactly who they’ll target, it’s clear that adding size and skill to the frontcourt is a priority. That doesn’t mean a blockbuster is coming, but it does mean the Raptors won’t be idle.
What Comes Next?
Toronto’s season has been defined by inconsistency so far, and the frontcourt has been a major part of that. Whether it’s rebounding, rim protection, or interior scoring, the Raptors have struggled to find steady production down low. That’s why fans should expect movement - even if Poeltl stays put.
The hope is that Poeltl’s back issues subside and he can return to being the steady, defensive-minded big man Toronto envisioned when they re-signed him. If that happens, and the Raptors can add the right piece next to him, the frontcourt could go from a weakness to a strength.
But until then, the Raptors are playing the waiting game - evaluating, exploring, and keeping one eye on the trade market. Poeltl’s name may not be at the center of it for now, but in the NBA, plans can shift quickly.