NBA veteran Chris Paul (Image via: Getty Images) A blockbuster three-team trade involving the LA Clippers, Brooklyn Nets, and Toronto Raptors has resulted in the former Clippers point guard Chris Paul landing in the Raptors in exchange for Raptors’ shooting guard Ochai Agbaji. However, the Raptors have also opted not to have Paul report immediately, keeping options open for further conversations about his future ahead of Thursday’s 3 p.m. ET. NBA trade deadline. Chris Paul’s sudden exit from the LA Clippers in December 2025 came as a shock to his fans just as much as it shocked him. There were reports of growing tension between Paul and Clippers head coach Ty Lue, with the two believed to be not communicating for several weeks before the trade took place. However, when finally it did, Paul confirmed the news via an Instagram post on December 3, 2025, as he expressed feeling much “at peace” with this abrupt decision and remained hopeful about what the future holds.
Chris Paul’s uncertain future meets fresh start for Ochai Agbaji
A 12-time NBA All-Star, Chris Paul is regarded as one of the best players in the NBA, highly acknowledged for his shooting abilities. However, in recent years, his career has been shaped more by questions regarding his long-term future in the league. After signing with the LA Clippers in early 2025 as a free agent, Paul appeared in 16 games before his departure, averaging 2.9 points and 3.3 assists per game, according to ESPN. The Toronto Raptors’ shooting guard, Ochai Agbaji, the Toronto Raptors’ shooting guard and a 2023 NBA draft of the Utah Jazz, is reportedly all set to join the Brooklyn Nets. In the 2026 season, Agbaji featured in 42 games for the Raptors, where he averaged 4.3 points and 2.3 rebounds in over 15 minutes per game, as per ESPN.
Chris Paul’s future in limbo as trade deadline pressure mounts
NBA insiders have reported that if the Raptors can’t trade Chris Paul before Thursday at 3 p.m. ET., the team could part ways with him, allowing him to become a free agent. This would open the doors for him to join the championship contender for a final playoff run, with the New Orleans Pelicans and Dallas Mavericks emerging as two of the most talked about landing options for the NBA veteran, as his 21-year long career is nearing its end. And while speculations around Paul’s next move continue to grow as the trade deadline approaches, the Raptors are all set to face the Chicago Bulls on Thursday night.