Kyle Anderson, also known as “Slow Mo”, is an American-Chinese professional basketball player who currently plays for the Toronto Raptors in the NBA. Standing at 6’9”, Anderson is known for his versatile playmaking skills, high basketball IQ, and unique playing style.
After beginning the 2024-25 season with the Golden State Warriors, he was traded to the Raptors as part of the Jimmy Butler blockbuster trade on February 5, 2025.
In this article, we will explore Kyle Anderson’s net worth, salary with the Raptors, trade details, career achievements, early life, personal background, and lesser-known facts.
Kyle Anderson Short Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kyle Forman Anderson |
| Chinese Name | 李凯尔 (Lǐ Kǎi’ěr) |
| Nicknames | “Slow Mo” |
| Profession | NBA Player |
| Current Team | Toronto Raptors |
| Previous Teams | San Antonio Spurs, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Golden State Warriors |
| Hometown | New York City, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American / Chinese |
| Date of Birth | September 20, 1993 |
| Age (2025) | 31 years old |
| Height | 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) |
| Weight | 230 lbs (104 kg) |
| Position | Small Forward / Power Forward |
| Jersey Number | #1 |
| NBA Draft | 2014: 1st round, 30th overall pick (San Antonio Spurs) |
| College | UCLA (2012–2014) |
| Years Active | 2014–present |
Early Life and College Career
Early Life
Kyle Anderson was born on September 20, 1993, in New York City, New York, and grew up in New Jersey. His father, Kyle Anderson Sr., was a former college basketball player and high school coach, who trained him from a young age to develop the ball-handling skills of a point guard, despite his height advantage.
High School Career
- Attended Paterson Catholic High School and later St. Anthony High School.
- Played under legendary coach Bob Hurley, winning back-to-back state championships.
- Named New Jersey Player of the Year (2012) and a McDonald’s All-American.
College Career at UCLA
- Played two seasons (2012–2014) at UCLA.
- Named Pac-12 Tournament MVP (2014).
- 2014 Third-team All-American.
- Led the Pac-12 in assists and rebounds, displaying his versatility as a point-forward.
- Declared for the 2014 NBA Draft after his sophomore season.
Professional NBA Career
San Antonio Spurs (2014–2018)
- Selected 30th overall in the 2014 NBA Draft by the San Antonio Spurs.
- Developed under Gregg Popovich but played limited minutes behind Kawhi Leonard.
- Became a full-time starter in 2017-18, averaging career-highs in points, rebounds, and assists.
Memphis Grizzlies (2018–2022)
- Signed a four-year, $37.2 million contract with Memphis in 2018.
- Played key roles in the team’s playoff runs.
- Transitioned into a versatile playmaker and defender, helping the Grizzlies’ rebuild.
Minnesota Timberwolves (2022–2024)
- Signed with Minnesota in 2022 as a veteran presence.
- Averaged 9.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game in 2022-23.
- Had a locker-room altercation with Rudy Gobert during the 2023 NBA Play-In Tournament.
Golden State Warriors (2024–2025)
- Traded to Golden State in July 2024 in a six-team deal, the first of its kind in NBA history.
- Played limited minutes in Golden State before being traded to Toronto in February 2025.
Kyle Anderson Trade to Toronto Raptors (Feb 5, 2025)
Trade Details
| Team | Received Players/Picks |
|---|---|
| Warriors | Jimmy Butler |
| Raptors | Kyle Anderson |
| Heat | Andrew Wiggins, P.J. Tucker, Protected 2025 1st-round pick |
| Pistons | Lindy Waters, Josh Richardson |
| Jazz | Dennis Schröder |
Impact of the Trade
- Raptors: Gain a veteran forward with playmaking skills and defensive versatility.
- Warriors: Land Jimmy Butler to pair with Stephen Curry for a championship push.
- Anderson: Moves to Toronto, where he will have more playing time and a bigger role.
Kyle Anderson Net Worth and Salary (2025)
Net Worth Breakdown
| Source | Earnings |
|---|---|
| NBA Salary (2024-25) | $9.2 million |
| Endorsements (Nike, Chinese brands, etc.) | $2+ million per year |
| Business Ventures | $3+ million |
| Total Estimated Net Worth (2025) | $25 million |
Major Endorsements
- Nike
- Li-Ning (Chinese sports brand partnership)
- Panini (NBA trading cards)
Personal Life and Chinese Citizenship
| Family Member | Relationship |
|---|---|
| Father | Kyle Anderson Sr. (Former college player & coach) |
| Mother | Suzanne Anderson |
| Heritage | Mixed-race (Jamaican-Chinese ancestry from maternal side) |
| Nationality | American & Chinese (Naturalized in 2023) |
Chinese Citizenship and FIBA World Cup (2023)
- In July 2023, Anderson became a naturalized Chinese citizen, adopting the name Li Kai’er (李凯尔).
- Represented China in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, becoming the first naturalized player for China.
Lesser-Known Facts About Kyle Anderson
- Nicknamed “Slow Mo” for his unique, slow-paced playing style.
- Fluent in Mandarin Chinese, after becoming a naturalized citizen of China.
- Played on the same high school team as former NBA player Myles Mack.
- First UCLA player since Bill Walton to record 200 rebounds & 200 assists in a single season.
- Has a 7’3” wingspan, which gives him an edge defensively.
- Was the MVP of the 2015 NBA Summer League.
- Known for his high basketball IQ, often compared to Boris Diaw.
- Visited China in 2018 to connect with his Chinese-Jamaican roots.
- Plays piano as a hobby.
- Loves watching soccer and is a fan of Manchester United.
FAQs About Kyle Anderson
Q: What is Kyle Anderson’s net worth in 2025?
A: Estimated at $25 million.
Q: How much does Kyle Anderson make per year?
A: His 2024-25 NBA salary is $9.2 million.
Q: Why was Kyle Anderson traded to the Raptors?
A: He was part of the multi-team Jimmy Butler trade.
Q: Why does Kyle Anderson have a Chinese name?
A: He became a Chinese citizen in 2023 and played for China’s national team.
Q: What position does Kyle Anderson play?
A: He plays small forward and power forward.
Conclusion
Kyle Anderson is a versatile, high-IQ player who continues to make an impact in the NBA. Now with the Toronto Raptors, he brings experience, playmaking, and defense to a young team. With a net worth of $25 million, a dual nationality, and a strong international presence, Anderson is one of the most unique players in today’s NBA. 🚀🏀
