Raptors bring back Poeltl; former MVP Durant dealt ahead of NBA trade deadline

The NBA trade deadline isn’t until Thursday afternoon, but that didn’t stop teams from making big moves in the wee hours of the morning.

The Toronto Raptors — expected by many to be active at this year’s deadline — brought back a familiar face, and a 13-time All-Star is heading back to the Western Conference.

The Raptors reacquired Austrian center Jakob Poeltl from the San Antonio Spurs, just hours after the two teams finished playing each other. Toronto sent Khem Birch, a protected 2024 draft pick and second round draft picks in 2023 and 2025 the other way.

Thank you, @Khem_Birch ???? pic.twitter.com/pmqrKffh2h

— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) February 9, 2023

The 27-year-old Poeltl began his career in Toronto in 2016 and was part of the blockbuster trade orchestrated by team president Masai Ujiri in 2018. That deal sent DeMar DeRozan to the Spurs and saw Kawhi Leonard come to Toronto.

Many expected Toronto to be sellers on deadline day due to a disappointing first half of the season, but the acquisition of Poeltl for future assets flies in the face of that notion. More moves could still be on the way though with plenty of rumours swirling around the futures of the team’s veteran trio of O.G. Anunoby, Pascal Siakam, and Fred VanVleet.

VanVleet and Gary Trent Jr., also linked to trade speculation, can both become free agents at the season’s end.

“I still think there is a chance that one of Fred or Gary are gone,” says Blake Murphy, speaking on the Sportsnet 590 The Fan morning show.

“The idea of heading into free agency with three unrestricted free agents who are projected in your starting lineup, two of whom have the same agent, that is not a very good situation from a leverage standpoint.”

Toronto’s 112-98 win over the Spurs on Wednesday night pushed them into a play-in spot. The team has now won three straight games.

The Raptors play the Utah Jazz next on Friday.

Phoenix acquires former MVP Durant

The Phoenix Suns made the biggest splash in the early morning hours, reportedly acquiring Kevin Durant from the Brooklyn Nets.

The Suns were already a championship contender, losing in the NBA finals two years ago, but this latest move pushes them close to the front of the line this year, at least on paper.

In return, the Nets receive Mikael Bridges, Jae Crowder, Cam Johnson, and four first-round draft picks. TJ Warren was sent to Phoenix alongside Durant, according to Wojnarowski.

BREAKING: The Phoenix Suns are nearing a blockbuster trade to acquire Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant, sources tell ESPN. Durant wanted move to Suns, and new owner Mat Ishbia pushing to get deal done tonight.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 9, 2023

The 34-year-old Durant is averaging nearly 30 points per game this season and is widely considered one of the greatest scorers in NBA history. Durant has not played since Jan. 8 with a knee injury that is expected to keep him out for several more weeks.

The Suns sit fifth in the west with a 30-26 record. The Nets are currently fifth in the Eastern Conference at 32-22.

Nets owner Mat Ishbia took control of the team this week and has already been busy. The Nets traded their other star Kyrie Irving to the Dallas Mavericks earlier this week.

In another blockbuster deal reported Wednesday, the Los Angeles Lakers are trading Russell Westbrook to Utah and reacquiring guard D’Angelo Russell from Minnesota in a three-team, eight-player deal, according to sources.

The NBA trade deadline is 3 p.m. Thursday.