Toronto Raptors and Phoenix Suns have held preliminary trade talks involving Ochai Agbaji and Nick Richards. The Raptors are looking to upgrade their backup center and manage the luxury tax, while the Suns are exploring roster options ahead of the trade deadline.
Toronto Raptors and Phoenix Suns have been in exploratory trade talks, Michael Scotto of the HoopsHype reports. The discussions reportedly center on Raptors guard Ochai Agbaji and Suns center Nick Richards.
Nick Richards
Nick Richards
Nick Richards
MIN: 9.36
PTS: 3.38 (56.82%)
REB: 3.25
As: 0.33
ST: 0.08
BL: 0.46
TO: 0.96
GM: 24
Toronto is looking to upgrade its backup center spot while also trying to get below the luxury tax.
Richards, who averaged 9.5 points and 8.6 rebounds last season as a starter, has seen his role shrink this season with Phoenix. He averages just 3.4 points and 3.3 rebounds in 9.4 minutes per game in the final year of his $5 million contract.
Meanwhile, Agbaji could be included in a deal to help the Raptors save on salary. After averaging 10.4 points while shooting 50 percent from the field and 40 percent from three in 45 starts last season, he is now playing only 15 minutes per game.
Agbaji is owed $6.38 million this season and could become a restricted free agent this summer with an $8.88 million qualifying offer.
League sources said the Raptors and Suns have discussed Agbaji, along with a second-round pick, as potential compensation for Richards.
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