Spurs C Jokob Poeltl drawing significant trade interest

Spurs center Jakob Poeltl is receiving “a lot” of interest on the trade market, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski said during a TV appearance (YouTube video link). However, it remains to be seen how open San Antonio will be to moving him.

Identifying Poeltl as one of the “real pivotal players” of this season’s trade deadline, Wojnarowski notes that there seems to be more trade interest than usual in centers like the Spurs’ big man this season, with multiple contenders seeing value in strengthening that position. San Antonio will likely receive some “real significant offers” for Poeltl on or before the February 9 deadline, Wojnarowski adds.

Still, there’s no guarantee the 27-year-old will be on the move. The Spurs like Poeltl a lot and wouldn’t mind hanging onto him, according to Wojnarowski, especially since they’ll have a chance to win the Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes in the spring. Woj suggests that the team views Poeltl as an ideal fit at the five alongside Wembanyama, who could slot in at the four.

Of course, even if they finish with the NBA’s worst record, the Spurs won’t have more than a 14% shot at the No. 1 overall pick, so their odds of landing Wembanyama will be slim. Additionally, they’re not in a good position to lock up Poeltl to an extension before he reaches unrestricted free agency this summer.

Poeltl is technically extension-eligible, but because he’s only earning about $9.4M this season, the amount he can receive on an in-season deal is limited. His maximum extension would be worth about $58MM over four years, which isn’t expected to appeal to him, per Wojnarowski.

“He’s going to get more than that in free agency,” Woj said. “He’s not going to do that deal now.”

Poeltl’s contract situation will create a dilemma for the Spurs, who will have to decide at the trade deadline whether it’s worth taking the best offer on the table or whether they want to roll the dice with the veteran center next summer, betting on either re-signing him or recouping some value in a sign-and-trade deal.