Center Jakob Poeltl is the player that the Spurs have gotten the most trade inquiries about, according to LJ Ellis of SpursTalk, who repeats what he reported last month, writing that the team continues to seek two lightly protected first-round picks in any deal involving the big man.
The Raptors and Warriors are among the teams that have shown the most interest in Poeltl, sources tell Ellis. Toronto has thus far been unwilling to offer a package headlined by more than one moderately protected first-round pick, Ellis writes.
As for a potential fit with Golden State, Ellis hears that the Spurs aren’t especially interested in James Wiseman or Jonathan Kuminga as the centerpiece of a hypothetical Poeltl trade. According to Ellis, San Antonio likes Moses Moody the most out of the Warriors’ three young prospects, but would want more than just Moody for Poeltl. In other words, Golden State would likely have to be willing to part with future draft assets to have a chance to land the veteran center.
The Spurs’ other trade candidates include Josh Richardson and Doug McDermott. Ellis says the club still wants a first-round pick in any deal involving Richardson, while McDermott will likely remain in San Antonio through the trade deadline unless a team offers a first-rounder for him.
Here’s more on the Spurs:
- Having recently signed Alize Johnson to a non-guaranteed contract to provide frontcourt depth following injuries to Poeltl and Jeremy Sochan, the Spurs will likely cut Johnson and sign a perimeter player once their regulars get healthy, sources tell Ellis. Bringing back Jordan Hall is one possibility, and San Antonio has also been doing its homework on former Jazz guard Jared Butler. One longer-shot candidate for that 15th roster spot, according to Ellis, is Isaiah Thomas, who could be a target if the front office feels as if the scoring burden on youngsters like Keldon Johnson and Devin Vassell is getting too heavy.
- Richardson is expected to return to action on Thursday vs. Houston after missing six games due to a right ankle sprain, tweets Tom Orsborn of The San Antonio Express-News. McDermott, out for two games with a sprained right ankle of his own, will also likely be back on Thursday, Orsborn adds (via Twitter).
- Spurs rookie Blake Wesley, who is recovering from a torn MCL, still has no official timeline for a return, but the club is hoping he’ll be back later this month, according to Orsborn (Twitter link).
Poeltl is a quietly excellent center, great defense and one of the highest assist rates among centers. And he can score and rebound very efficiently, averaging a dub while not even playing 30 minutes a night.
Wouldn’t say excellent. I’d go with ‘serviceable.’ Check out his shot. No wonder he passes. He can rebound if he gets back quick enough and his defense is speed bump at best. Seen my share of Spurs games in person, and his stats only exist because, let’s face it, they’re a horrible team.
Warriors need to trade for Poeltl quickly. he’s the perfect piece missing. not sure how they do it without gutting their depth if Spurs only like Moody.
Curry/Wiggins/Klay/Draymond/Poeltl would be hard to beat
The sport writer is pulling your leg or over exaggerating the price of Poeltl. I understand spurs looking down on Wiseman but Kuminga? The guy is only 20 and has all that potential. Moody also has a lot of potential and wouldn’t need extra add on in a trade. So a guy playing for a last place team that averages 13 pts a game and pending free agent is not worth a all star player.
I guess when your team is run by Pop, the media just goes along with its narrative. In what universe is Poeltl (a rental) worth more than a lottery protected 1st? Or where McDermott’s contract can be moved without attaching an asset? Richardson netting something is possible, if he’s playing well at the deadline, but under this contract he’s only been a matching salary up until now.
If GSW really cares which of their recent lottery picks the SAS like, then it’s time they reevaluate their plan with each of them. Guys on RSC’s that aren’t ascending are wasting assets. It might be best to keep them, move them now or punt on the decision, but understand the price goes down each month. If they’re in play for this type of rental deal with SAS, then, they need to face it, their decision has already been made.
Wiseman to the Spurs I love it.
Think even tho the numbers aren’t there yet the potential is guaranteed. Imagine him working with Tim Duncan in practice all the time how much he’d improve at both ends.
I’d forget about Moody, you already have Devin Vassell, Blake Wesley, and Malakai Branham.
I’d love to see Poeltl for Wiseman and a pair second round picks
Imagine If Wiseman practiced all the time with Draymond? Or played with guys like Curry .
Draymond is like 6’7 , plays the point guard role on offence and on defence is great because of his basketball IQ, ability to switch 1-5 and make the right reads.
Wiseman is 7’0, big strong tall athletic. He’s young and doesn’t have heaps of years of experience or the basketball IQ like Green. His offensive game is much closer to the rim, either in the paint or in the mid range with the occasional corner three aswell.
Basically two completely different game styles. Whereas Tim Duncan who is a coach can teach Wiseman how to use his athleticism, his length and strength like he did. He can teach him the little tips and tricks on being 7 foot.
Coach Pop plays way more fundamental basketball with a lot of movement and passing and crating easy looks for everyone. Has also done really well with bugs such as Duncan and David Robinson. Steve Kerr plays a lot more pace and space modern basketball. A lot of off ball screens and making looks for Curry and Poole. Never really utilised a paint presence on offence. More know for three point shooting and role players surrounding the core of Curry Klay and Green.
Two completely different systems and styles of basketball. Not every player can fit in every system and work especially at a young age.
Actually, Kerr and Pops approach are similar, especially since Kerr is a student of Pops. They coach based on the talent given, not a system. Fundamental basketball is big as you mention, but they coach to the talent of the team and player. Kerr has shooters, so an open floor to space out room is going to be his objective. Pops has always had bigs, so defense and set plays have been predominant. When you look at the team when Duncan began to age, they relied less on him and more on the speed and offense – Parker, Leonard and Manu.
Wiseman would be nice, but not sure of GSW is ready to send him off for a center who will be a FA soon. A wasted #2 for a serviceable center hurts in the long run.
Duncan isn’t a coach any longer. Left after last year.