As we dive deeper into the 2023 NBA playoffs, this also means the offseason is growing closer for all 30 teams.
Between Kyrie Irving's future in Dallas, additional free-agent and trade targets for the Mavericks, a potential home for Dillon Brooks and one current playoff team monitoring the status of a two-time MVP, there's been a lot of rumors spinning around lately.
It's time to fire up the BS meter to determine what's to be believed and what looks like a lie heading into the summer.
Jakob Poeltl a 'Lock' to Re-Sign with Raptors
While not much went right for the Toronto Raptors this season, Jakob Poeltl proved to be a nice addition following a trade over from the San Antonio Spurs.
The 27-year-old center averaged 13.1 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.2 steals, 1.3 blocks and shot 65.2 percent overall, improving the Raptors by a whopping 14.1 points per 100 possessions when he was on the floor (98th percentile, per Cleaning the Glass).
Even with Poeltl about to hit unrestricted free agency and the Raptors facing a lot of offseason questions, don't expect him to leave Toronto anytime soon.
As Bleacher Report's Eric Pincus writes, "Per multiple sources around the league, the Toronto Raptors are a 'lock' to bring back center Jakob Poeltl, whom the team initially drafted at No. 9 in 2016."
Pincus also states that Toronto may end up paying Poeltl between $13 million and $15 million per year on a new deal.
Keeping this partnership going makes sense for everyone involved. The Raptors paid way too much (2024 top-six-protected first-round pick, second-round picks in 2023 and 2025, Khem Birch) to have Poeltl walk out the door now, and the veteran center looks like he'll continue to have a starting job and nice payday if he stays in Toronto.
While a number of contenders could use his rebounding, passing and defense, expect Poeltl to stay with the Raptors like Pincus reported.
BS Meter: No BS here. Poeltl and the Raptors look like a match.
Pistons 'Team to Watch' for Dillon Brooks
Dillon Brooks has made a lot of headlines this postseason, although few of them actually contributed to winning for the Memphis Grizzlies.
As he hits unrestricted free agency this summer, Brooks could very well find himself shopping for a new home.
One potential destination? The Detroit Pistons.
As Marc Stein of The Stein Line substack writes, the Pistons are "a team to watch" for Brooks this summer.
The Pistons have a nice chunk of cap space heading into free agency, with a projected $25.5 million, according to Spotrac's Keith Smith. Given the amount of quality starters and role players projected to become free agents this offseason, however, Brooks shouldn't be high on Detroit's list.
Yes, his defensive chops and playoff experience would come in handy with the Pistons, but Brooks' efficiency on offense would hurt this team's scoring output while limiting the overall spacing. Among the 74 players who attempted 13 shots or more last season, Brooks' field-goal percentage of 39.6 percent ranked 73rd overall, only ahead of Fred VanVleet.
Considering Detroit finished just 22nd overall in three-point accuracy (35.1 percent), Brooks' mark of 32.6 percent from beyond the arc this season would only make things worse.
The Pistons may check in on Brooks' asking price but should ultimately look elsewhere for veteran help.
BS Meter: BS that Detroit should pursue Brooks in free agency, even if the team's available cap space may link him to the Pistons.