The Toronto Raptors and Indiana Pacers are finalizing a sign-and-trade deal that would send SF CJ Miles to Toronto and backup PG Cory Joseph to Indiana, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN announced via Twitter. The deal was agreed in principle, but cannot be deemed official until the Raptors deal involving SF DeMarre Carroll with the Brooklyn Nets goes through.
Assuming everything stays the course, Cory Joseph will sign a three-year, $35 million contract, with a third year player option. Joseph averaged 9.3 points, 3.3 assists, and 2.9 rebounds over 80 games played this past season. The addition of Joseph will be the beginning of a new young core as they look to rebuild in the post-George era.
CJ Miles agreed to sign a three-year, $25 million dollar deal with Toronto. This allows the Raptors to have veteran presence to mentor their up and coming forward, Norman Powell. In 76 games this season, the 30-year-old averaged 10.7 points (43% FG, 41% 3Pt), and three rebounds over 23.4 minutes per game. Miles will help spread the floor for the Raptors and will assume the role of Brooklyn-bound DeMarre Carroll.
After re-signing Kyle Lowry to a three-year, $100 million dollar contract, the Raptors have been looking to unload some of their hefty contracts to avoid being in the luxury tax. Dumping Carroll’s contract allows them to breathe but they remain in a tough spot and are looking to improve their team while making smart business decisions.
