Jakob Poeltl trade adds another layer of regret for the Raptors in hindsight

"At the trade deadline, much of the focus and the reports centered on the Raptors finding solid solutions to improve their middling frontcourt depth. This area was left with a big hole in the absence of Jakob Poeltl, who, thankfully, as of now, is finally available again for the Raptors to utilize. I definitely wanted to see Toronto target some enticing big men on the open market, but even more, I hoped the Raptors could somehow maneuver their way into discussions to trade for"

"Leading up to the deadline, I kept an eye on the Chicago Bulls as a team of interest, especially as rumors about Coby White and, more notably, Ayo Dosunmu hitting the market started to surface. As we all know, after the deadline passed, Dosunmu was actually traded to a different team. But the Raptors missed out on a golden opportunity because he ended up joining the Minnesota Timberwolves."

Raptors entered the trade deadline seeking frontcourt help due to a hole created by Jakob Poeltl's absence, though Poeltl is now available again. The team prioritized center depth and considered targeting big men and impactful bench pieces. Rumors connected Chicago Bulls guards Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu to the market; Dosunmu was traded and ultimately joined the Minnesota Timberwolves, a move that represented a missed opportunity for Toronto. Toronto previously reacquired Poeltl at the 2023 deadline by surrendering a top-six protected 2024 first-round pick, two second-round picks, and Khem Birch's matching salary. The surrendered first became Rob Dillingham via a draft-day trade, intensifying regret as Poeltl proved only passable.

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