The Toronto Raptors have been a surprise team in the NBA this season as they enter the All-Star break sitting fifth in the Eastern Conference standings with a 32-23 record.
Of course, Toronto missed the playoffs last season after finishing 11th in the East standing but they have been able to turn things around this season as they have been one of the top teams in the conference this season.
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Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram (3) © Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images
(© Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images)
Most of the Raptors’ success this season has come due to their young core led by Brandon Ingram, Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley and they look to be a serious threat in the East.
Toronto also made some moves ahead of the trade deadline to upgrade their roster which included them acquiring Trayce Jackson-Davis from the Golden State Warriors to bolster their frontcourt, which has been an issue this season with Jakob Poeltl missing extended time due to a back injury.
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Another move the Raptors made ahead of the trade deadline was when they acquired Chris Paul from the Los Angeles Clippers in a three-team trade that sent Ochai Agbaji to the Brooklyn Nets.
Raptors Waive Chris Paul Following Clippers Trade
After this trade, it was reported that the Raptors would not require Paul to report to the team and his short stint in Toronto came to an end on Friday.
Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3).Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
(Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Raptors decided to waive Paul on Friday to open up a new roster space.
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Of course, it has been an interesting season for Paul as he decided to sign back with the Clippers in the offseason after playing for the San Antonio Spurs last season so that he could be closer to his home in Los Angeles.
This signing did not go as planned for the 40-year-old veteran as he played in only 16 games this season for the Clippers before Los Angeles announced that they were parting ways with the future Hall of Fame guard due to his criticism of the front office.
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Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3)Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
(Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images)
Despite parting ways with Paul, the Clippers kept him on their roster until ultimately trading him to the Raptors ahead of the deadline.
Following Paul’s release on Friday, the 12-time All-Star announced that he is retiring from the NBA, ending a 21-year NBA career.
On the other side, the Raptors now have an open roster spot to add another key player to their roster as they try to compete for a top seed in the East in the second half of the season.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.