The Toronto Raptors remain interested in trading for Kevin Durant and are keeping tabs on his situation in Phoenix, but they won’t include starting center Jakob Poeltl in any deal, according to Sportsnet’s Michael Grange.
Sources confirmed to Grange that Toronto gave Phoenix a firm “no” when the Suns asked for Poeltl in trade talks before the February deadline – and that stance hasn’t changed.
While recent rumors hinted the Raptors might be open to moving him, Grange suggests those leaks likely come from Phoenix’s side to drive up interest among other Durant suitors.
Since reacquiring Poeltl in 2023, the Raptors have been significantly better with him on the floor. In 2024/25, Toronto had a -0.7 net rating in his minutes, compared to -6.2 when he was off the court.
He also posted career-best averages of 14.5 points, 9.6 rebounds and contributed across the board as a highly efficient, all-around big man.
With the Raptors aiming to contend by 2025/26, trading Poeltl would undermine their plans. Instead, Grange notes the more likely move is a contract extension before next season.
Poeltl is owed $19.5M next season and holds a player option for the same amount in 2026/27. He’s eligible for a four-year, $122M extension if he declines the option, or three years and $88M if he opts in.
Toronto still has other sizable contracts, such as RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and Brandon Ingram, to offer in a potential Durant trade.
But matching salaries could get tricky due to the Suns being over the second tax apron, which restricts how much salary they can take back or combine in deals.
Raptors Reportedly Unwilling To Include Poeltl In Offer For Durant https://t.co/vo0uOK7Xjy pic.twitter.com/TAbhRx41yx
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) June 20, 2025
