The San Antonio Spurs have never really been a big player when it comes to midseason trades. Over the past decade, they’ve shipped Kawhi Leonard and Dejounte Murray in blockbuster deals, but those were both off-season. With the unofficial start of the trading season coming up, the Spurs have a few players every team in the league would like to add, but only one likely to be moved: Jakob Poeltl.
The 27-year-old center has shown improvement every year in the silver and black and is a double-double machine. He can move the ball and defend the rim, but I would hardly call him a modern great as he rarely scores outside the paint. We’ve been writing about his suitors all season, but Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer seems to think there’s a possibility Poeltl could stay in Alamo City long-term.
According to Fischer, Poeltl is strongly considering resigning, but his words suggest he will enjoy freedom of choice and all the benefits that come with it.
“”I’ve never been in this situation where unlimited free agency is coming. It’s definitely a cool situation because in the NBA you’re a lot of times – I don’t want to say stuck – but it feels like you’re a bit of a pawn… So it’s nice to be in this situation where you’re sort of more able to control your own destiny and evaluate what will be the best situation for me.
– Jakob Poeltl (via Yahoo)
It sounds like Jacob wants to be eaten and eaten, and he deserves it.
If Poeltl wants to join the rebuilding culture and be a focal point going forward, I honestly think he can be a starter on the roster for several seasons, even if the Spurs bring in Victor Wembanyama. The two could play in the frontcourt with Vassell and Johnson on the wings, Sochan could be the sixth man, or Vassell could shift to become the primary ball handler. The possibilities are endless.
On the other hand, I completely understand if Poeltl wants to play in a more successful team. I also think the Spurs could easily make a first-round pick, and if they turn it around quickly, the move could make everyone happy. Toronto, the Clippers and Portland all seem like reasonable destinations for the Austrian big man.
Poeltl is currently the best center in the trading market. Embiid, Jokic, Adebayo, Davis and Sabonis aren’t going anywhere, and Poeltl may have even surpassed Rudy Gobert.
Next one. Baffling rumor suggests the Spurs have no faith in young stars. dark
I see the current situation in Poeltl as a win-win situation. I’m not against him staying for the long haul, but I think his value has peaked and the Spurs can make money. Still criminally underrated, I would expect the eyes of the NBA world to look at San Antonio and at teams. to call Brian Wright’s number.