Grading the 11 biggest headline-grabbing day 1 NBA Free Agency signings

Jakob Poeltl, Toronto Raptors

The contract: 4 years, $80 million

Heading into the offseason, the expectation was that the Toronto Raptors were going to make big changes. However, through the NBA Draft, all the signs that were coming from the Raptors suggested that they were probably going to run things back. Fred VanVleet ended up throwing a huge wrench in that but the Raptors couldn’t let Jakob Poeltl fall through their fingers. After losing VanVleet, the Raptors decided to bring Poeltl back on a four-year deal.

It’s clear that the Raptors aren’t moving toward a rebuild or even a retooling. Re-signing Poeltl now ensures that Toronto plans on competing for a title next season. And the addition of Dennis Schroder at the point guard position echoes that as well. Considering what the Raptors gave up for Poeltl at the NBA Trade Deadline, this is another one of those moves that needed to happen.

I’m not sure what exactly the Raptors are up to and I don’t love this contract for Poeltl. He’s a good player that deserved his payday but would much rather have seen Toronto read the tea leaves a bit more. It’s pretty clear this team needs to pivot toward retooling. But, hey, Masai Ujiri is one of the best for a reason.

Grade: C