Vanja Marinkovic involved in big NBA trade

Three-team deal sends Chris Paul to Toronto, Clippers pick up Marinkovic rights

The NBA trade deadline brought another shake-up: veteran point guard Chris Paul was moved in a three-team deal that also involved the Brooklyn Nets and the Los Angeles Clippers. The Toronto Raptors now have Paul, the Nets received Ochai Agbaji and a second-round pick, and the Clippers reacquired the NBA draft rights to Vanja Marinkovic.

For roster-watchers this one was notable because it finally made Paul’s departure from the Clippers official after a strained finish to his time there. It’s worth noting that Paul’s stay in Toronto could be short-lived, as reports suggest he might still be moved again before the trade window closes on February 5.

What this means for Marinkovic and the teams involved

Marinkovic won’t be joining the NBA this season — he’s out for the year after suffering a torn Achilles in a EuroLeague game. Even so, his NBA rights remain an asset and have changed hands several times since he was selected with the final pick of the 2019 draft. Those rights now belong to the Clippers once more.

From the Clippers’ perspective, acquiring Marinkovic’s rights is a low-risk move that keeps an option open for the future if he recovers and decides to come over. The Nets added a wing and a draft pick, while the Raptors took on a veteran playmaker who could be flipped again depending on how the rest of the deadline unfolds.

In short, it’s a tidy, multi-team swap that mixes short-term roster moves with longer-term draft and rights management — and it keeps a few storylines to watch as teams finalize their playoff rosters.