July 8: The Raptors and Poeltl have officially finalized their new contract agreement, the team announced in a press release.
“Jakob has developed into one of the league’s top two-way centers and signing him to an extension was a top priority this offseason. As valuable as he is on the floor, we also really appreciate his leadership and experience off-court,” general manager Bobby Webster said in a statement. “Jak shares our goals – he wants to win as much we do, and we’re thrilled he’ll be a Raptor for seasons to come.”
“Toronto has always felt like home for me – I want to be a Raptor for life. Thanks to Bobby and team ownership for believing in me, and to the fans for their amazing support,” Poeltl added in a statement of his own. “We have a young core that’s full of potential and I believe we’re ready to take the next step. I can’t wait to get together back on the Scotiabank Arena court.”
July 1: Veteran big man Jakob Poeltl will sign a contract extension with the Raptors, sources tell Shams Charania of ESPN (Twitter link). Poeltl will pick up his $19.5MM player option for the 2026/27 season and add three more years to the deal.
According to Charania, the four years beyond ’25/26 will be worth $104MM in total, which means Poeltl is getting $84.5MM in new money on the three newly added seasons. That works out to roughly $28MM per season.
The deal includes a trade kicker, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype (Twitter link), who states that Poeltl hopes to play the rest of his career in Toronto. Jake Fischer of The Stein Line adds (via Twitter) that the final year is only partially guaranteed for $5MM, though that there are triggers that could increase that partial guarantee.
Agents Michael Tellem and Sam Goldfeder of Excel Sports considered several options for Poeltl, including an extension while declining the option, Charania adds (Twitter link), but the decision to opt in was made to give the Raptors more flexibility over the next two years.
The 29-year-old center put up career-best numbers this season, averaging 14.5 points and 9.6 rebounds in 29.6 minutes per night, but he was limited to 57 games. Josh Lewenberg of TSN Sports states (via Twitter) that Poeltl sat out games late in the season despite being healthy, which he likely wouldn’t have agreed to do unless he knew he had a new contract coming.
Poeltl has been the Raptors’ starting center since being acquired from San Antonio at the 2023 trade deadline. He’s a strong contributor on both ends of the court, shooting 62.7% from the field this season while posting 1.2 blocks and 1.2 steals per game.
Toronto refused to include Poeltl in recent trade talks with Phoenix involving Kevin Durant. The Suns reportedly asked for Poeltl and received a “firm” no from the Raptors.
The new contract means Poeltl can’t be traded for the next six months, according to cap expert Yossi Gozlan (Twitter link).
Why smh
Because hes easily a top ten centre in the league
Why???
Don’t get me wrong, I like JP, but the Raps overpaid for a guy who doesn’t fit their timeline.
Dont need a centre to go with their timeline, need one that can play and be a solid veteran and Poeltl is that and he wants to be here!
And the love affair with Poeltl continues
Wow didn’t see that coming. Seems like a mediocre center but i guess the raptors love him.
Ok,Raptors off the picture too
Can raps management trade for Markkanen??? Like wt£ are they doing!
Overrated
This comment tells us all you don’t know much about the Raptors or the NBA.
Sorry my post triggered you. Maybe next time be a good little boy and ignore it. Thx bud.
You talk tough, but that reply screamed ‘Wi-Fi warrior with daddy issues.’ Go touch grass, Lou—your keyboard’s the only thing taking you seriously
Thats not being a good boy…
Sets great screens, never been a locker room issue, great passer and high IQ for the game. I’m not sure what people see or how they evaluate when discussing this guy. They have enough guys who can get shots, Poeltl needs to do the dirty work underneath. Great signing.
20 PER, 64 TS%, 1.7 VORP, positive rating on both offense and especially defense. This is a steal.
You pass on Maluach for this. Poeltl is not a starting center in the NBA. He’s had plenty of time to show. Still waiting ……..
A slight overpay but he’s valued is in his stabilizing presence under the bucket…. and there’s no one out there who’s a reasonable replacement that’s available. Sure he’s no KAT but then again KAT plays no defence and that’s what wins playoff games. Just ask the Knicks!
Welcome back Jak!