3 Under-the-radar trade deadline deals that could pay off in the long run
Spurs look to the future, trade C Jakob Poeltl
The anticipated sell-off by the Toronto Raptors didn’t happen. In fact, they proved to be buyers, which could serve the San Antonio Spurs in the long run.
The Raptors acquired center Jakob Poeltl, the same player they traded to the Spurs years ago. San Antonio made out like bandits in the deal, getting a protected first-round pick, two second-rounders and forward Khem Birch.
It’s not clear why Toronto was willing to five up such a ransom for the familiar center, especially since they don’t harbor championship aspirations for this season. He’s a great defender, but doesn’t bring a ton to the table offensively.
As for the Spurs, this deal supercharges their next generation rebuild, setting up whoever the coach is in four or five years to succeed immediately (presuming Gregg Popovich doesn’t keep coaching until he’s 95 years old).
The picks are the highlight, especially that first-rounder. It’s reportedly protected top-six, while the second rounders are for this coming year and the draft two years down the road. That should allow San Antonio to infuse plenty of young talent.
Birch is 30 years old, so there’s not a long-term future there. He’s somewhat of an afterthought in the deal.
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What’s not an afterthought is how much San Antonio is investing in its future. It’s been a long slog in the post-Duncan era. But the light at the end of the tunnel is beginning to grow clearer.