Raptors sign centre Poeltl to 4-year extension worth reported $104M US
The Toronto Raptors have made a significant move by signing centre Jakob Poeltl to a multiyear contract extension, the team announced on Tuesday. While financial details were not disclosed by the team, reports indicate that the deal is valued at $104 million US over four years.
Poeltl, a 29-year-old native of Austria, had a standout season for the Raptors last year, averaging career-high numbers in points, rebounds, blocks, and steals. He shot an impressive 62.7% from the field, ranking fifth in the NBA among qualified players.
Originally selected by the Raptors as the ninth overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft, Poeltl was later traded to the San Antonio Spurs as part of the Kawhi Leonard deal in 2018. However, he returned to Toronto in 2023 and signed a lucrative four-year, $78 million contract.
Standing at seven feet tall and weighing 245 pounds, Poeltl has been a consistent contributor throughout his career, averaging 8.9 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in 595 games.
In a statement released by the team, Poeltl expressed his desire to remain a Raptors player for the long term. “Toronto has always felt like home for me — I want to be a Raptor for life,” he said. “Thanks to general manager Bobby Webster and team ownership for believing in me, and to the fans for their amazing support. We have a young core with great potential, and I believe we’re ready to take the next step. I can’t wait to get back on the Scotiabank Arena court with my teammates.”
The extension of Poeltl’s contract is a significant move for the Raptors as they look to build on their promising young core and compete at the highest level in the NBA. With Poeltl’s commitment to the team and his impressive skill set, the future looks bright for the Toronto Raptors.
