Toronto Raptors consider including Jakob Poeltl in trade for Kawhi Leonard

The Toronto Raptors are evaluating an expansion of their agreed-upon trade for Kawhi Leonard following significant penalties levied against the Los Angeles Clippers by the NBA. After the league stripped the Clippers of five future first-round picks and issued a $30 million fine, the Los Angeles front office now faces a deficit in draft capital. Speculation centers on the potential inclusion of center Jakob Poeltl to help Toronto shed his remaining four-year, $104 million contract. Offloading the salary would provide Toronto with payroll flexibility to support Kawhi Leonard, Scottie Barnes, and RJ Barrett while opening more minutes for Collin Murray-Boyles and Allen Graves. Despite the financial benefits, the team risks losing its only proven seven-footer on a roster that struggled with rebounding last season.

• 12:00 PMYahoo Sports — Could Toronto Use Its Leverage to Move Poeltl in an Amended Kawhi Deal?