What to know
The Toronto Raptors acquired veteran guard Chris Paul in a multi-team trade involving the Clippers and Nets on Wednesday.
Fans reacted with excitement online, though reports say Paul may not report to Toronto and could still be traded or waived.
With the NBA trade deadline set for Thursday at 3 p.m. ET, Paul could become a free agent if he isn’t moved again.
Veteran basketball player Chris Paul has been traded to the Toronto Raptors. While he isn’t expected to stay for long, fans are reacting to the unexpected move.
On Wednesday, the Toronto team acquired Paul in a multi-team trade with the Los Angeles Clippers and Brooklyn Nets. The Raptors will send Ochai Agbaji, a 2032 Raptors second-round draft pick, and cash to the Nets to cover the shooting guard’s salary, according to media reports.
The Clippers received nothing in return for the deal, aside from saving $7 million in taxes and clearing a roster spot.
What are Toronto Raptors fans saying?
Online, Toronto fans are amped up at the thought of seeing the 12-time NBA All-Star hit the court.
“Raptors got Chris Paul from the Clippers time to Run it Back to the NBA Finals!,” one person said on X.
“Chris Paul going to the Raptors would be a massive veteran addition for Toronto,” another fan said.
“It’s official. I’m buying a Chris Paul Raptors jersey,” another wrote on the platform.
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But insiders caution those getting their hopes up. According to ESPN’s Senior NBA Insider Shams Charania, the Raptors will not require Chris Paul to report to the team and could still discuss trades involving him over the next day.
The NBA trade deadline is on Thursday, Feb. 5 at 3 p.m. ET. If Paul isn’t traded, he’ll be waived and become a free agent, though he has said in the past that this season will likely be his last.