The LA Clippers, Brooklyn Nets, and Toronto Raptors have finalized a multiteam trade that sends Chris Paul to the Raptors, while Ochai Agbaji, a second-round pick for the Raptors in 2032, and cash go to the Nets, according to sources cited by ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The Raptors have decided not to require Chris Paul to report to the team and may still explore trading him prior to the NBA trade deadline on Thursday at 3 p.m. ET.
With this move, Toronto is no longer in the luxury tax, Brooklyn acquires a valuable asset along with cash to offset Agbaji’s salary, and the Clippers free up a roster spot while saving $7 million in tax expenses.
Paul and the Clippers made a sudden decision to part ways in early December. As one of the franchise’s all-time greats, Paul shared an Instagram story just before 3 a.m. ET on Dec. 3 to acknowledge the change.
Sources indicated to ESPN that Paul had not communicated with Clippers coach Ty Lue for several weeks leading up to his departure from the team.
Later, Paul expressed to People.com that he felt “at peace” with the breakup and was eager about future opportunities.
This season, the veteran guard played only 16 games for the Clippers, averaging 2.9 points and 3.3 assists per game.
Agbaji has played in 42 games for the Raptors this season (with 13 starts), averaging 4.3 points and 2.3 rebounds while logging just over 15 minutes per game.
Chris Paul, who has made the NBA All-Star team 12 times, intends to retire at the conclusion of the season.
