Raptors Reportedly Unwilling to Include Jakob Poeltl in Kevin Durant Trade Package

Looking for a quick turnaround after back-to-back losing seasons, the Toronto Raptors have emerged as a suitor for Kevin Durant as long as it doesn't cost them Jakob Poeltl.

Per NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Raptors are unwilling to include Poeltl in any offers to the Phoenix Suns for Durant.

The Suns have had a fascination with Poeltl for some time now. Michael Grange of SportsNet.ca reported on Friday they asked for the veteran center back at the trade deadline when Toronto also made an attempt to acquire Durant.

Exact details of the Raptors' offer to the Suns are unknown at this point. Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints noted there was a version of it that included RJ Barrett or Immanuel Quickley and draft picks.

Toronto's lack of interest in giving up Poeltl at least suggests the club doesn't view itself as being in a long-term rebuild despite a 30-52 record in 2024-25. It could also be an indication the front office isn't under a mandate to cut costs.

ESPN's Bobby Marks noted the Raptors will start the offseason $1.3 million over the first apron when you factor in the cost of the No. 10 pick in the 2025 draft. Their top five players—Poeltl, Barrett, Quickley, Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram—will combine to make $156.5 million in 2025-26.

Poeltl will turn 30 on Oct. 15 and is entering the final guaranteed season of his current contract. He also has a $19.5 million player option for 2026-27.

The Raptors' midseason acquisition of Ingram was a bet for the future, particularly because they immediately signed him to a three-year, $120 million extension.

The Suns' interest in Poeltl makes perfect sense because they don't have a high-level center on the roster. Nick Richards was their primary starter down the stretch last season after being acquired from the Charlotte Hornets.

Unfortunately, it seems like the Suns will have to look elsewhere to solve their issues at that position.

Poeltl is in the midst of his second stint with Toronto after being reacquired in February 2023 following a five-year run with the San Antonio Spurs. He averaged a career-high 14.5 points and 9.6 rebounds per game in 57 appearances last season.