Hoops Habit
Fansided

NBA Trades: The 8 players most likely to be traded in 2023

By Cal Durrett

Dec 31, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Chicago Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan (11) in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Chicago Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan (11) in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 7
Next
Jakob Poeltl NBA
Jakob Poeltl (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

NBA Trades: Jakob Poeltl

Despite the fact that the San Antonio Spurs appear hesitant to trade center Jakob Poeltl, I believe that he will be traded this season. After all, several teams have been linked to him, including the Boston Celtics, Toronto Raptors, and Golden State Warriors.

With so many teams pursuing him, the odds are good that San Antonio will find an offer that suits them. Currently, their asking price is two lightly protected first-round picks, but that may just be them asking for the sun, moon, and stars, then “settling” for just the sun and moon.

Then again, the Spurs aren’t hurting for assets and have a total of 13 first-round picks over the next seven drafts. Adding a couple more to that hall would be great for them in the long term. However, Poeltl is one of the better centers in the NBA, and at 27, he is young enough to have a future with the team.

They also have a great chance of re-signing him, giving them leverage in trade discussions since they could legitimately claim that they aren’t afraid of losing him ahead of free agency. If I had to guess which team ultimately lands Poeltl, I would choose the Warriors.

Although the Warriors have already had one trade rejected by the Spurs, they could try again. There are several possible trade scenarios, but a deal would likely have to include their 2023 pick (which could end up being in the mid-teens even with Poeltl) and a 2025 first (top-five protected).

Even if he isn’t moved come February, he could technically be moved in the offseason via a sign-and-trade. Then again, that could depend on whether the Spurs land the top pick in next year’s draft. As a result, I expect Poeltl to be on the move in 2023.