Raptors ‘safe’ trade with Suns to reduce luxury tax
The The Toronto Raptors managed to plug their caps in recent years, thanks to the big contracts they gave to Scotty Barnes, Immanuel Quickley, Jakob Poeltl and Brandon Ingram. In fact, the Raptors are currently above the luxury tax, although it’s safe to say it’s paid off so far this season given their 17-11 record thus far.
Regardless, the Raptors, according to recent reports, are looking to avoid that tax line to avoid additional costs on their payroll. And they’ve reportedly been on the lookout for trades that could help them achieve that goal, with the deal with the Phoenix Suns for center Nick Richards being in works according to Michael Scott of HoopsHipe.
“The Toronto Raptors have explored the trade market to upgrade their backup center and also want to avoid the luxury tax, league sources told HoopsHipe. Phoenix Suns center Nick Richards is among centers on the trade market that Toronto has expressed interest in,” sources said, Scotto wrote.
The Raptors are looking to trade up from a position of strength to address areas of need
Scotto added that he is The Raptors hung with Ochai Agbaji in such a trading scenario. Agbaji is in the final year of his rookie deal and is making $6.3 million. Meanwhile, Richards’ $5 million contract for the season is also expiring. According to Scott, “exploratory talks between the Raptors and Suns regarding Agbadji and compensating a second-round pick for Richards” have taken place.
According to ClutchPoints NBA Insider Brett Siegel, the Raptors look at this trade as a “flawless” option to get under tax.
(Fast forward to the 18:50 mark.)
Latest NBA data from @TomerAzarli and @BrettSiegelNBA — Clutch Scoops 18.12.2025 https://t.co/bVLHveuV0g
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 18, 2025
The Raptors have an army of wings they’ve relied on this season, with Ja’Kobe Walter and Gray Dick also being called up by head coach Darko Rajakovic. Agbaji started in Thursday’s 111-105 win over the Milwaukee Bucks — perhaps to showcase him in any potential trade.
Agbaji is a 25-year-old 3-and-D winger who will be ready for a new contract at the end of the season.
2025-12-19 04:10:00
