The Toronto Raptors made one of the NBA’s most surprising trades af the trade deadline by acquiring veteran point guard Chris Paul from the Los Angeles Clippers.
Raptors To Cut Veteran Point Guard When and Why, What Are Their Options To Fill the Spot & TJD’s Role
While there was always doubt that Paul would suit up for the Raptors, the Raptors did have a use for him. The Raptors point guards rank in the bottom half of the league, and Paul figures to give them at least a few quality minutes behind Immanuel Quickley. Granted, Jamal Shead has done an outstanding job, though he has struggled shooting the ball.
However, it is now official that Paul indeed does not have a role with Toronto. According to Michael Grange of SportsNet, the 4o-year-old will be waived in the near future.
“Chris Paul is probably one of my favorite players ever,” said Raptors general manager Bobby Webster after making the trade. “So, it’s a weird thing to trade for him. So I said (to his agent), whatever you want to do. At this point in his career, we want to be the most professional (we can be), so we’ll waive him at the appropriate time.”
Paul, who has never won an NBA title, struggled in his limited role with the Clippers before being sent home at the beginning of December. While Paul struggled shooting the ball, he still did a good job running the offense. He averaged 3.3 assists and just one turnover in 14 minutes of action.
When Will The Raptors Waive Chris Paul?
With Paul on the roster, Toronto has 15 players on standard contracts. The Raptors are $1.1 million below the luxury tax and are unlikely to make any move that would jeopardize that status. Therefore, it is likely that the Raptors will sign a free agent.
Golden State, Phoenix, Denver, Orlando, Houston, and Miami are all theoretical options as they have open roster spots. But, not sure anyone wants Paul. Teams have until the end of the regular season to finalize their playoff roster.
Since the Raptors don’t have any urgency to make a roster move, as none of their two-way players are any danger of reaching the NBA 50-game limit.
“Basically, no urgency for Raps until March 4, or until someone they wanna sign becomes available, Blake Murphy of SportsNet tweeted.
March 4, 2026, is the last day that NBA teams can sign a player to a two-way deal. AJ Lawson and Alijah Martin appear to be in a neck battle to grab the 15th spot if they go the 2-way route to fill the open spot. Lawson is the more NBA-experienced player, a better shooter and rebounder. Martin has the advantage in facilitating/ball-handling and defense.
