The Toronto Raptors have officially moved 25-year-old wing Ochai Agbaji to the Brooklyn Nets as part of a high-profile three-team trade finalized on 04 February 2026. The deal, which also involves the Los Angeles Clippers, brings veteran point guard Chris Paul to Toronto while serving as a strategic salary-clearing move for the Raptors ahead of the NBA trade deadline.
Agbaji’s departure marks the end of a tenure in Toronto defined by defensive versatility but inconsistent offensive production. Before the trade, Agbaji appeared in 42 games for the Raptors this season, averaging 4.3 points and 2.2 rebounds per contest. While he had recently seen time in the starting lineup, he had reverted to a bench role in late January and missed recent action due to injury.
Trade Breakdown & Financial Impact
The transaction was primarily motivated by Toronto’s need to navigate the luxury tax and the Clippers’ desire to shed salary. Key components of the deal include:
- Toronto Raptors receive: Chris Paul (from LAC).
- Brooklyn Nets receive: Ochai Agbaji (from TOR).
- Los Angeles Clippers receive: Financial relief and draft considerations.
By moving Agbaji’s contract, the Raptors successfully shed approximately $967,000, bringing the team below the luxury tax line. Analysts note that the Raptors had previously avoided a “financial pitfall” by declining to sign Agbaji to a long-term extension earlier in the season, allowing for this flexibility at the deadline.
The Sabonis Factor
Prior to the Brooklyn deal, Agbaji’s name was heavily circulated in trade discussions with the Sacramento Kings. Reports indicated that Toronto had explored a blockbuster package involving Agbaji, RJ Barrett, and Jakob Poeltl in exchange for All-Star Domantas Sabonis. However, those talks reportedly stalled over draft pick compensation, leading the Raptors to pivot toward the three-team swap with the Nets and Clippers.
Player Profile: Ochai Agbaji
Born on 20 April 2000, the 6’5″ guard/forward was a standout at the University of Kansas, where he was a consensus first-team All-American and led the Jayhawks to a National Championship in 2022. Known for his “3-and-D” potential, Agbaji now joins a Brooklyn Nets squad looking to integrate young depth without long-term financial risk. He is expected to provide the Nets with athletic wing depth as they retool their roster.
The NBA Trade Deadline concludes on Thursday; further roster movements for the Raptors are anticipated following the acquisition of Chris Paul.