12-11-2025, 03:53 PM
(12-11-2025, 03:29 PM)DanSchwartzgan Wrote: It is kind of funny that Toronto always makes the list of interested teams and no one ever comments on them.
I suspect the Poeltl contract is a big part of the reason. I've long liked him as an efficient middle of the pack starting center. Obviously not a star and obviously overpaid. The last year of his 4 remaining year contract is only GTD for $5.0mm, but still $19/$27/$25mm after this season is really high.
I've never been a huge fan of Barrett, but he's a 25 year old 20 ppg scorer who is pretty consistent from year to year. My worry with him is Duffy is his guy and I can't imagine Duffy is too happy with us right now. Barrett is UFA after next season.
You could do a lot worse than Kyrie, Barrett, Flagg, PJ and Poeltl backed up by Nembhard, Max, Klay, Naji and Lively (hopefully in 26/27).
On top of that, you get a 2026 pick and expiring Agbaji from Toronto and for including Gafford, you get recent lottery pick Jarace Walker and a protected 2027 first from Indiana. That is very good value for Gafford and since you won't be tanking after this year, it isn't exactly bottoming out either. The deal is a 4 for 2, so more would have to happen. None of these trades from ESPN are inspiring, but it feels like the Toronto mention might deserve more attention than it is getting currently.
I really hate that Poeltl contract and not a huge fan of Barrett (another poor shooter). I think the package of those two has negative value due to the size of those contracts. The only thing in that trade that moves the needle is the 26 pick, but good chance Toronto will manage to stay out of the lottery in the East. Maybe you are betting on AD breaking. Maybe those kids have something and you are buying low, but they are both really shitting the bed this season.
That looks like a good team that is not particularly young and has no chance to contend. Personally I am looking for a little harder reset than this.