Raptors Waive 12x NBA All-Star Chris Paul After Deadline Trade

The future Hall of Famer was traded to Toronto but never played for the team.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Toronto Raptors have waived veteran point guard Chris Paul, the team announced. Paul was traded to the Raptors at the NBA trade deadline earlier this month but did not appear in a game for the team. The 21-year NBA veteran was averaging 2.9 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game with the LA Clippers before the trade.

Why it matters

Paul is one of the best point guards in NBA history, making 12 All-Star teams over his career. His release by the Raptors is surprising, as the team had acquired him in a multi-team deal at the deadline. This move signals the Raptors are moving in a different direction and parting ways with the future Hall of Famer.

The details

The Raptors waived Paul on Friday, just a few weeks after acquiring him in a trade. Paul had not appeared in a game for Toronto since the deal. The 40-year-old point guard was averaging modest numbers with the Clippers this season before the trade.

  • On February 13, 2026, the Raptors announced they had waived Chris Paul.
  • Earlier this month, Paul was traded to the Raptors in a multi-team deal.

The players

Chris Paul

A 21-year NBA veteran and 12-time NBA All-Star who was recently traded to the Toronto Raptors but never played for the team.

Toronto Raptors

An NBA team based in Toronto, Canada that currently sits in 5th place in the Eastern Conference with a 32-23 record.

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What’s next

It’s unclear what’s next for the 40-year-old Chris Paul, who will now be an unrestricted free agent. He could look to sign with a contending team and try to win his first NBA championship.

The takeaway

The Raptors’ decision to waive Chris Paul, a future Hall of Famer, just weeks after acquiring him in a trade is a surprising move that signals the team is moving in a different direction. Paul’s release makes him an intriguing free agent option for teams looking to add veteran leadership and playmaking to their roster for a playoff push.