Despite trade noises between them, it appears that the Boston Celtics won’t be able to snag Jakob Poeltl ahead of the trade deadline.

Per Jay King of The Athletic, it is being downplayed by league sources outside Boston the chances of the Celtics to acquire Poeltl.

As added by King, should Cs went on to succeed in landing the big man, they won’t still be able to retain Poeltl in long-term, as he is set to become an unrestricted free-agent and may likely to prefer playing in a much better role than being an insurance for both Al Horford and Rob Williams III.

The Celtics have already registered a long desire in seizing Poeltl, who has been a consistent trade candidate this season given his impending free agency status and expiring tenure as a veteran in the rebuilding San Antonio Spurs. The Austian native is currently tallying 12.1 points and 9.2 boards in 39 games for silver and black. 

But by potentially acquiring him, it is only obvious that their partnership would only be a rental in consideration. A half-season partnership can only truly be developed given the cap priorities of Brad Stevens and the Celtics brass beyond 2022-23.

As such, the intents of Boston on the center, amid short-term collaboration, is logical as they are looking to go all-in this season as a clear-cut title heavyweight. Poeltl could serve as that missing piece for the franchise, who will indeed serve his huge purpose of taking away the load and injury risks of both Horford and Williams III at front.