Raptors Pick Protections for Jakob Poeltl Revealed

The Toronto Raptors appear to have paid a hefty price to acquire Jakob Poeltl ahead of the 3 pm NBA trade deadline.

While Khem Birch hasn't been worth much to the Raptors, Toronto has reportedly parted with a top-six protected first-round pick in 2024 that rolls over as top-six protected in 2025 and 2026 should it not convey next season. The team also parted with a pair of unprotected second-round picks in 2023 and 2025, per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.

The San Antonio Spurs had reportedly been looking for two first-round picks for the 27-year-old Poeltl but ultimately settled for one lightly-protected pick from Toronto and the two second-rounders.

Toronto is now without a second-round pick through 2025, having already moved their 2024 second-round pick for Marc Gasol during the 2019 championship season. It's possible that 2023 second-round pick turns into a pick high in the 30s considering the Raptors currently sit with the ninth-worst record in the NBA.

Until the 2024 first-round pick conveys, the Raptors will be unable to trade either of their 2025 or 2026 first-round picks.

Poeltl is averaging 12.1 points and nine rebounds this season while shooting 61.6% from the floor. He is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.