The Toronto Raptors were tied to the likes of Anthony Davis, Domantas Sabonis and even Ja Morant at this trade deadline. But in a surprising move just 24 hours before the deadline hits, the Raps have acquired future Hall of Famer Chris Paul in a three-team trade.
But hold your excitement, Raptors fans. CP3 won’t actually be coming to the Great White North. The team has no intention of actually making him report. The deal was made for luxury tax purposes only.
Shams Charania reports that the Raptors could still look to flip him, while Chris Haynes says they’re expected to waive him.
The 40-year-old, 21-year veteran hasn’t played in over two months, since the LA Clippers made the decision to send him home. But he was still on the team’s roster, allowing Toronto to make this deal to ship out Ochai Agbaji’s $6.4 million contract to Brooklyn and get out of the tax.
The trade also sent the Raptors’ second-round pick in 2032 to the Nets as part of the deal.
In the meantime, Toronto will continue to consider other trade options in advance of Thursday’s 3pm Eastern deadline. Sabonis is still a possibility in talks with the Sacramento Kings.
