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a day ago
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- Yahoo
Raptors rumors: Toronto ‘unwilling' to include Jakob Poeltl in Kevin Durant trade
The post Raptors rumors: Toronto 'unwilling' to include Jakob Poeltl in Kevin Durant trade appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Toronto Raptors' offseason could turn out to be interesting, whether it involves the draft, trades or free agency. However, it won't end up with them departing from Jakob Poeltl for Kevin Durant. Advertisement Durant made it clear to the Phoenix Suns the three teams he would prefer to play for. They are the Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets. While the Raptors aren't a favorite, they would elevate their chances by landing Durant with a blockbuster trade. NBA insider Jake Fischer of The Stein Line gave his outlook on the scenario, mentioning the possibility but stating that Poeltl won't be part of any deal for the Suns star. 'As @michaelgrange noted earlier tonight, Toronto has been unwilling to include Jakob Poeltl in the Raptors' trade talks regarding Kevin Durant,' Fischer said. What lies ahead for Jakob Poeltl, Raptors John Hefti-Imagn Images It would be difficult for the Raptors to maintain some of their depth if they trade for Kevin Durant. However, moving on from Jakob Poeltl would not be one of their priorities, according to Sportsnet reporter Michael Grange. Advertisement 'There's no point in adding a player like Durant if the team around him can't compete. As Poeltl has repeatedly shown since Toronto re-acquired him at the trade deadline in 2023, the Raptors struggle significantly when he doesn't play. A more likely scenario is that the Raptors reach a contract extension with Poeltl sooner rather than later, with the structure and timing designed to offer the club flexibility as they build out a competitive roster,' Grange wrote. 'Poeltl is eligible for a three-year, $88.2 million extension if he opts into the final year of his current deal, or a four-year, $121.8 million extension if he opts out and signs a new contract starting this season. Opting into the final year of his current $19.5 million deal would give the Raptors some additional cap flexibility for any acquisitions they might want to pursue this summer.' Poeltl has been with the Raptors since the 2022-23 season, returning to the franchise after his departure in 2018. This past season was solid for the veteran big man, averaging 14.5 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game. Keeping Poeltl would keep the Raptors' depth in the frontcourt secure. If they wish to pursue Durant, however, they might have to give up pieces in the backcourt to make the dream come to fruition. Related: Raptors' 10 worst NBA Draft day mistakes in history Related: Giannis Antetokounmpo trade grades for ESPN's Raptors-Bucks proposal
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Collin Murray-Boyles clarifies viral moment after No. 9 pick
The post Collin Murray-Boyles clarifies viral moment after No. 9 pick appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Toronto Raptors used their lottery pick at No. 9 to select Collin Murray-Boyles in the 2025 NBA Draft. Coming into draft night, the Raptors reportedly offered the No. 9 pick to the Boston Celtics for Derrick White, but it appears as if those talks did not progress any further. As they held onto their pick, Murray-Boyles is the newest member of the Raptors. Following a viral moment after the announcement of the pick, the former South Carolina standout clarified what actually happened, as per Michael Grange of Sportsnet. Advertisement When it was announced that the Raptors had selected Collin Murray-Boyles in the first round of the NBA Draft, he was caught on camera seemingly mouthing an expletive. But when asked about the moment, Murray-Boyles reassured Raptors fans that his reaction was nothing bad. 'What I said was not a bad thing by any means,' Murray-Boyles said. 'Just a crazy moment, obviously thankful for the opportunity. . .and ready to take it full on and do whatever they need me to do.' Murray-Boyles took a big leap in his sophomore season at South Carolina. He became a permanent fixture in the starting lineup and saw his playing time jump from 22.8 minutes per game to 30.6 minutes. He averaged 16.8 points, 8.3 rebounds. 2.4 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.3 blocked shots with splits of 58.6 percent shooting from the field, 26.5 percent shooting from the three-point line and 70.7 percent shooting from the free-throw line. The young forward joins an intriguing young core with the Raptors including budding star Scottie Barnes. Murray-Boyles will certainly give the team additional depth at forward. But it will be interesting to see where he fits considering the Raptors' current depth at forward. Barnes plays forward, and the team is also expecting the debut of Brandon Ingram in the 2025-26 season. Advertisement Promising youngster Jonathan Mogbo plays forward and veteran RJ Barrett can shift between positions as well. Heading into the offseason, the Raptors have been a team that has reportedly had multiple trade talks. Related: Sources: Raptors offer Celtics No. 9 pick in Derrick White trade talks Related: Noa Essengue turns heads with Scottie Barnes, Pascal Siakam comparisons amid Raptors
