Raptors’ Loyalty: Jakob Poeltl Remains in Canada
The Austrian center bet on stability by exercising his $19.5 million player option while simultaneously signing a three-year extension worth an additional $84.5 million. For Toronto, the deal secures a reliable anchor in the paint: Poeltl is still one of the league’s most efficient rim protectors and a maestro of the short pick-and-roll.
One statistic underlines his unshakable old-school style: among all active players with at least 5,000 career points, Poeltl ranks next-to-last in three-point attempt frequency. Only Clint Capela shoots fewer; even traditional fives like DeAndre Jordan, Rudy Gobert, and Steven Adams let fly from deep more often. Yet Poeltl has converted 3 of his 7 long-range tries—2 of 4 if heaves from beyond half-court are excluded—turning each “bomb” into a highlight-reel moment.
For the Raptors, re-signing Poeltl not only preserves the team’s identity but also gives the new head coach a tactical foundation: with Poeltl they can vary drop coverage and, when needed, rely on his mobility to switch on the perimeter.
Stretch Provision as an SOS Signal: Damian Lillard and the Bucks’ Accounting Magic
The headline shocker: Milwaukee waived Damian Lillard, stretching the remaining $113 million of his salary over five seasons. In essence, the franchise activated the stretch provision to dilute the cap hit of a massive contract.
The move feels desperate—an attempt by the front office to prove to Giannis Antetokounmpo that the club can rebuild around him on the fly. An alternative reading: if Lillard opts to retire, the Bucks could take his salary off the books a year after his final game, gaining extra flexibility by May 2026.
On the court, Milwaukee loses an elite creator but gains a chance to reshape the rotation and boost perimeter defense. It is a risky decision—fans already liken it to sacrificing a queen for long-term positional advantage.
Hunting a Stretch Five: Myles Turner as Giannis’s New Helper
With cap space freed, the Bucks pivoted quickly to Myles Turner. His prospective contract—$107 million over four years—is possible only via a sign-and-trade with Indiana. The Pacers had capped their offer at $60 million for three seasons, reluctant to wade deep into the luxury tax after Tyrese Haliburton’s injury.
Turner is a perfect fit for Milwaukee’s needs. First, he is one of the NBA’s best shot-blockers, able to insure Giannis around the rim. Second, as a career 37 percent three-point shooter, he is a bona fide stretch five who expands opposing defenses and opens driving lanes for the “Greek Freak.”
The only question is the compensation package for the Pacers. A deal built around young role players and draft picks looks likely, while Milwaukee must perform acrobatics around the new CBA aprons to stay compliant.
Conclusion: New Tactics in the Great Basketball Rebalance
Toronto locked down its foundation in Poeltl and doubled down on internal growth, whereas Milwaukee went all-in, sacrificing Lillard for future cap room and the potential Giannis–Turner duo.
The two paths highlight contrasting roster-building philosophies: steady investment in proven pieces versus aggressive asset repackaging and financial sleight of hand. Which approach proves more sustainable will be revealed in the coming regular season—and in the patience of the stars who define their franchises.
