{"id":482376,"date":"2025-12-19T07:49:20","date_gmt":"2025-12-19T07:49:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/482376\/"},"modified":"2025-12-19T07:49:20","modified_gmt":"2025-12-19T07:49:20","slug":"nba-rumors-the-raptors-fail-safe-trade-on-table-with-suns-to-duck-luxury-tax","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/482376\/","title":{"rendered":"NBA rumors: The Raptors\u2019 \u2018fail-safe\u2019 trade on table with Suns to duck luxury tax"},"content":{"rendered":"

NBA rumors: The Raptors\u2019 \u2018fail-safe\u2019 trade on table with Suns to duck luxury tax<\/a> appeared first on ClutchPoints<\/a>. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Toronto Raptors<\/a> have managed to clog their cap sheet in recent years, thanks to the big contracts they gave to Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley, Jakob Poeltl, and Brandon Ingram. In fact, the Raptors are above the luxury tax at the moment, although they would for certain say that it\u2019s been worth it thus far this season considering their 17-11 record thus far.<\/p>\n

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Nonetheless, the Raptors, according to recent reports, are looking to duck that tax line to avoid incurring added charges to their payroll. And they\u2019ve reportedly been on the lookout for trades that could help them accomplish that goal, with a deal with the Phoenix Suns for center Nick Richards being in the works<\/a> as per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Toronto Raptors have explored the trade market in search of a backup center upgrade and are also looking to duck below the luxury tax, league sources told HoopsHype. Phoenix Suns center Nick Richards is among the centers on the trade market that Toronto has expressed interest in, sources said,\u201d Scotto wrote.<\/p>\n

Raptors look to trade from position of strength to address area of need\"Nick<\/p>\n

Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Scotto added that the Raptors have been dangling Ochai Agbaji<\/a> in such a trade scenario. Agbaji is in the final year of his rookie contract, making $6.3 million. Meanwhile, Richards\u2019 $5 million contract on the season is also expiring. As per Scotto, \u201cexploratory discussions between the Raptors and Suns regarding Agbaji and second-round draft pick compensation for Richards\u201d have taken place.<\/p>\n

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As per ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel, the Raptors are looking at<\/a> this trade as a \u201cfailsafe\u201d option to get underneath the tax.<\/p>\n

(Fast forward to the 18:50 mark.)<\/p>\n

The Raptors have an army of wings that they\u2019ve relied on this season, with Ja\u2019Kobe Walter and Gradey Dick also being called upon by head coach Darko Rajakovic. Agbaji did start on Thursday in their 111-105 win over the Milwaukee Bucks \u2014 perhaps to showcase him in any potential trade.<\/p>\n

Agbaji is a 25-year-old three-and-D wing who will be up for a new contract at season\u2019s end.<\/p>\n

Related: NBA rumors: Insider makes RJ Barrett-Kings link amid Domantas Sabonis trade buzz<\/a><\/p>\n

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Related: Brandon Ingram reveals he picked Raptors trade over 1 or 2 other suitors<\/a><\/p>\n