Jakob Poeltl, Raptors Reportedly Mutually Interested in New Contract amid Trade Rumors
The Toronto Raptors are looking to keep center Jakob Poeltl amid some potential roster shakeeps.
NBA insider's Marc Stein and Jake Fischer reported that the Raptors are not willing to move Poeltl in a potential deal for Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant and that the team and the 29-year-old have "mutual interest" in an extension.
"Toronto — initially presumed to be willing to part with Jakob Poeltl if it meant landing Durant — maintains now that it would not even surrender Poeltl in a deal for the future Hall of Famer," Stein and Fischer wrote. "It remains to be seen how firm that stance is, but league sources say that the Raptors and their very underrated center have mutual interest in hammering out a contract extension in the near future if no trade intervenes,"
Poeltl just wrapped up his ninth NBA season and averaged 14.5 points, 9.6 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 57 games. He is in his second stint with the Raptors and is under contract through 2025-26 with a player option for 2026-27.
Toronto went 30-52 in 2024-25 and missed the postseason for the third consecutive year. The team is building a core around Scottie Barnes, R.J. Barrett and Brandon Ingram but making a move for a player like Durant could really accelerate the competitive window.
While the Raptors may have to part with some notable pieces to get that done, it seems like Poeltl may be off the table.
