NBA Trade Rumors: Heading into the NBA Trade Deadline, it appears that the San Antonio Spurs have an unbelievable asking price for Jakob Poeltl.
Over the last few weeks, one of the names that have quickly gained traction as one of the prime targets heading into the NBA Trade Deadline has been Jakob Poeltl. In the final year of his contract with the San Antonio Spurs, he’s proven that he can be a full-time starting center in the league. And considering where the Spurs are in their build, there’s a chance he may not be a fit in terms of their current timeline.
Poeltl, who is now 27 years old, is averaging 12 points, nine rebounds, and three assists on 63 percent shooting from the field. But he could test free agency this summer and with no guarantee that he will re-sign long-term with the Spurs, it would make sense for San Antonio to comb the trade market over the next few weeks. And perhaps, if the right offer does come, he could be moved ahead of the deadline.
However, that could prove to be difficult. Especially considering that the recent rumblings surrounding Poeltl are that the Spurs want two first-round picks in any deal at the deadline for the big man.
It seems that Jakob Poeltl is unlikely to be moved at the NBA Trade Deadline
If the Spurs hold firm on that ask heading into the trade deadline, I have a hard time believing that Poeltl is a player that will be moved. For as good as Poeltl is, I don’t think he’s worth two future first-round picks.
That said, I understand the big ask. The Spurs have to start negotiations from a place of power. And this could be what they are doing, but if they aren’t willing to be talked down, Poeltl simply isn’t going to be moved at the deadline.
The next few weeks should be interesting. And there will likely still be plenty of teams that inquire about Poeltl’s availability over the next few weeks. But perhaps this is the Spurs pivoting to a place where they want to re-sign Poeltl heading into the offseason. And the only way that they do trade him is if they get an absurdly great offer that they can’t refuse – perhaps similar to why they decided to trade Dejounte Murray during the offseason.
San Antonio is certainly a team to watch over the next few weeks. There’s at least a 50-50 chance that they end up making a move. The question is, will that deal include moving Poeltl?