05-08-2026, 09:34 AM
(05-08-2026, 08:38 AM)Smitty Wrote: @esidery
The Raptors will again attempt to move Jakob Poeltl’s contract this offseason.
Poeltl’s undesirable deal was the reason why Toronto was unable to upgrade the center position this season:
2026-27: $19.5 million
2027-28: $27.3 million
2028-29: $29.5 million
2029-30: $27.3 million
*2029-30 is $5.0 million guaranteed
I know it wasn't popular the first time I mentioned his name as a possibility for using the TPE to acquire more assets, but it has to be on the table, no? What would it take to stomach? This year's pick (#19) plus another unprotected first rounder?
Maybe then you move Gafford for a protected future first? Come away with 3 FRP's in total? Just live with Lively and Poeltl as your main Bigs next season, knowing you're not really a contender anyway? Or maybe TOR likes Gafford and it's a swap there, with all the picks coming from them, and no need to use the TPE...
That contract is so bad. 19 is an Evans/Swain type player which would be really nice, and an unprotected pick from Toronto could be very valuable. I'm not sure Gafford is worth a future first (even protected) right now.