Can Raptors Offset VanVleet’s Loss With Re-signing Of Poeltl?

Summary

• Fred VanVleet left the Toronto Raptors to join the Houston Rockets
• Raptors wanted to retain him but could not compete with the Rockets offer
• They re-signed Jakob Poeltl for an estimated $80 million  

Successful NBA teams are those teams that end up keeping their core group of players together for many years. The Toronto Raptors were looking to build a strong team around some of their key players which included Fred VanVleet and Pascal Siakam.

Raptors Unable To Compete With Rockets For VanVleet

The Raptors did not have a great season last year and failed to make the playoffs. During the off-season, there was speculation that Fred VanVleet could leave the Raptors with Pascal Siakam another potential departure.

VanVleet ended up leaving to join the Houston Rockets for a big contract valued at $130-million for a 3 year period. Raptors President Masai Ujiri said they were very keen on retaining VanVleet but were unable to compete with the huge offer that the Rockets dished out.

The Raptors have decided to sign the six foot ten Jalen McDaniels and veteran Dennis Schroder in defence to replace VanVleet. They have also succeeded in re-signing Jakob Poeltl from the San Antonio Spurs. 

Can Poeltl Presence Help Offset VanVleet’s Absence?

Jakob Poeltl played with the Raptors from 2016 to 2018 before he decided to move on and join the San Antonio Spurs. Poeltl stayed with the Spurs from 2018 to 2023 and decided to go back to the Raptors in a trade deal.

Poeltl said it would have been great if VanVleet stayed with the Raptors as it would have strengthen their chances in the upcoming season but said he understood why VanVleet left as it was a very lucrative offer that the Rockets made. Poeltl said he was comfortable coming back to Toronto and VanVleet’s leaving did not have any impact on his decision.

In a statement, Poeltl said

At the end of the day what it really came down to was just trying to find the best overall package for me, I said after the season ended I really had some unfinished business here. We really didn’t have the season we wanted to so that was another reason. I know I feel comfortable in this city. I know I feel comfortable with this team, with the fans, so there were a lot of really good positives in Toronto (for me)