Spurs discussing trades centered around Jakob Poeltl

The Spurs are in the midst of discussing trades oriented around starting center Jakob Poeltl with over half a dozen clubs, reports L.J. Ellis of Spurs Talk. 

Ellis similarly revealed last month that Poeltl, an unrestricted free agent in 2023, had been San Antonio’s most popular player on the trade market. 

With just a few weeks left until the Feb. 9 trade deadline, interest appears to be heating up.

Two sources inform Ellis that the Raptors are interested in reacquiring Poeltl, whom Toronto initially traded as part of its deal for All-Star small forward Kawhi Leonard in 2018. 

A three-team deal that includes the contract of Raptors guard Gary Trent Jr. has been discussed.

The Celtics are interested in shoring up their front line with Poeltl, and are reportedly prepared to move an unprotected future first-round pick in 2028.

Because Poeltl is less concerned with low post touches than their incumbent starting centers, the Trail Blazers and Pelicans are reportedly also potentially intrigued by Poeltl. 

The Mavericks view a hypothetical addition of Poeltl as an improvement on their current big men, a Western Conference scout tells Ellis.

Conversations with the Warriors have stalled, as the Spurs reportedly do not want to take on either James Wiseman or Jonathan Kuminga in a Poeltl deal.

There’s more out of San Antonio:

• A team insider has revealed that, should San Antonio not find a deal it likes, it may try to re-sign Poeltl. League sources tell Ellis that Poeltl could earn “at least” a four-year, $80M contract as a free agent, far above an extension offer the Spurs could offer him this season, which would be worth up to $58M.
• The Lakers have stayed somewhat engaged in potential trade conversations with San Antonio as well, Ellis reports. L.A. may still want to offload the $47.1M expiring contract of reserve point guard Russell Westbrook, and could be interested in adding sharpshooters Josh Richardson and Doug McDermott, in addition to Poeltl.
• San Antonio wants solid returns for both McDermott and Richardson, a source informs Ellis. The Spurs want a first-round draft pick for Richardson, while also hoping for solid value out of McDermott. “Dougie won’t be traded for a second round pick, I can tell you that,” the source told Ellis.