Poeltl Extends Stay with Raptors in Multi-Million Dollar Deal

The Toronto Raptors have secured center Jakob Poeltl for another four years. The team announced on Tuesday that Poeltl had signed a multiyear contract extension. While the financial specifics were not revealed, reports indicate the deal is valued at US$104 million over the four-year period.

Last season, the 29-year-old Austrian player achieved career-best averages with 14.5 points and 9.6 rebounds. He also contributed 1.2 blocks and 1.2 steals across 57 regular-season games for Toronto. His field goal percentage was an impressive 62.7%, placing him fifth in the NBA among eligible players.

Poeltl expressed feeling more confident and assertive in various game situations during his end-of-season media availability. He noted an increase in offensive involvement, taking more shots and playing a more active role compared to previous seasons. He felt he had more opportunities to attack the game head-on.

Drafted by the Raptors in the first round (ninth overall) of the 2016 NBA draft, Poeltl was later traded to the San Antonio Spurs as part of the Kawhi Leonard deal in 2018. He returned to the Raptors in 2023, signing a four-year, US$78-million contract.

Poeltl has expressed his strong connection to Toronto, stating his desire to remain a Raptor. He thanked the general manager and team ownership for their belief in him, as well as the fans for their support. He is optimistic about the team's potential and is eager to return to the court.

Throughout his career, the seven-foot, 245-pound Poeltl has averaged 8.9 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in 595 games.