Key Highlights
- Chris Paul is reportedly traded to Toronto in a three-team deal involving LA Clippers and Brooklyn Nets.
- This move comes as Paul plans to retire after this season.
- Ochai Agbaji is sent from Brooklyn to Toronto, while the Nets receive Vanja Marinković’s rights.
The End of an Era: Chris Paul’s Final Act in LA?
Chris Paul, a 12-time All-Star and two-time Olympic gold medalist, is set to hang up his NBA sneakers after this season. The veteran point guard, who has been out since early December due to undisclosed reasons, will now make his final journey with the Los Angeles Clippers before heading north to Toronto.
According to multiple reports, Paul’s move to the Raptors completes a three-team trade that also involves the Brooklyn Nets and the LA Clippers. This shuffling of assets comes at a critical time for all parties involved, especially as we approach the 2026 NBA Trade Deadline on Thursday at 3 p.m.
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Paul’s career with the Clippers has been nothing short of legendary. He led them to six winning seasons from 2011-17, including the franchise’s first two Pacific Division titles and three playoff series victories. His impact on the court and his role in team culture are immeasurable.
Agbaji’s Diminished Role
Ochai Agbaji, a former standout player for the Nets, is sent to Toronto as part of this trade. The 2025-26 season has seen Agbaji’s role and playing time diminish significantly compared to his career-best in 2024-25 when he averaged 10.4 points per game.
Agbaji, who was a key player last season, now finds himself on the periphery of the Nets’ roster. In this new arrangement, Agbaji is expected to contribute more offensively and potentially start some games in his new home with the Raptors.
The Clippers Part Ways with Paul
On Wednesday morning, the LA Clippers officially parted ways with Chris Paul after he returned as a free agent last July. The decision came early this month, leaving many fans questioning the future of the team’s beloved point guard. Paul hinted in November that it would be his final NBA season.
The 40-year-old Paul has been playing in just 14.2 minutes per game and averaging a career-low 2.9 points and 3.3 assists, all while battling a mysterious health issue that forced him to miss five straight games in mid-November.
His final game with the Clippers saw him score eight points and three assists against the Miami Heat.
Paul’s return to the Clippers was seen as an opportunity for him to play alongside Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, aiming for his first NBA championship. However, the discord within the team led to Paul’s benching during key moments of the season.
Paul’s Return and Final Chapter
Paul’s return to the Clippers was met with great fanfare, but the reality of his diminished role on the court has become evident. His move to Toronto will be a bittersweet end for both fans and players alike. Paul expressed his excitement about being closer to his family while seeking that elusive championship ring.
The trade deadline looms as a critical moment for all teams, and this deal sets the stage for potential further shuffling of assets in the coming days. For Paul, it marks the end of an era with the Clippers and the beginning of a new chapter in Toronto.