Raptors acquire Jakob Poeltl in trade with Spurs

The Toronto Raptors are acquiring Jakob Poeltl from the SanAntonio Spurs in exchange for Khem Birch, a protected 2024first-round draft pick and two future second-round picks, accordingto ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

As the 2023 NBA trade deadline approached, all eyes were on theRaptors. Rival executives weren't sure whether Toronto would be abuyer or seller on Thursday.

After acquiring Poeltl, it seems that Toronto is approaching thedeadline as a buyer. Perhaps this means that the Raptors will holdonto Pascal Siakam, O.G. Anunoby and Fred VanVleet through thedeadline.

The Raptors selected Poeltl with the No. 9 overall pick in the2016 NBA Draft, and he spent two seasons in Toronto before beingsent to San Antonio as part of the Kawhi Leonard trade in July of2018.

This season, the 27-year-old is averaging 12.1 points, 9.1rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.2 blocks and .8 steals, while shooting62.3% from the field.

The Raptors are currently 26-30, which is the 10th-best recordin the East. Toronto has the NBA's 12th-ranked offense (scoring112.0 points per 100 possessions) and 20th-ranked defense (allowing112.5 points per 100 possessions).