Toronto Raptors Firm on Jakob Poeltl Amid Kevin Durant Trade Talks

The Toronto Raptors have firmly ruled out center Jakob Poeltl from any potential trade involving Kevin Durant, emphasizing his defensive value and importance to the team's future. Despite Durant's availability and interest from multiple teams including the Phoenix Suns, Houston Rockets, Miami Heat, and San Antonio Spurs, the Raptors are focusing on retaining their core players while exploring trade options that exclude Poeltl. Both the Raptors and Poeltl are reportedly aligned on negotiating a contract extension this summer, with Poeltl coming off his best offensive season and holding a player option for the 2026-27 season. The extension talks aim to give Toronto roster flexibility during a busy offseason, with Poeltl seen as a key long-term asset. Raptors insiders suggest that while the team remains interested in Durant, they are unwilling to sacrifice Poeltl, likely necessitating a multi-team trade structure to meet salary-matching rules. This stance underscores Toronto's commitment to maintaining its defensive anchor while pursuing high-profile roster upgrades.