The Toronto Raptors appear to have landed an impact Canadian player.
ESPN’s Chris Broussard is reporting that the Raptors have reached a four-year, $30 million deal with free-agent guard Cory Joseph, who had his qualifying offer withdrawn by the San Antonio Spurs Sunday.
After spending time in the D-League early in his professional career, the Pickering, Ont., native saw an expanded role with the Spurs in 2014-15, averaging 6.8 points, 2.4 assists and 2.4 rebounds while shooting above 50 per cent in 18.3 minutes per game.
His per-36-minute numbers of 13.3 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.7 assists suggest the 23-year-old could blossom with increased playing time.
Joseph, who spent four years in the Spurs’ system, would be a valuable asset to a Raptors team seeking backcourt help, especially on the defensive side of the ball. He will become the franchise’s second Canadian-born player.
Toronto has been active thus far in the off-season, signing DeMarre Carroll prior to adding Bismack Biyombo.
San Antonio has already made some big splashes early in free agency, re-signing Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green, while also agreeing to terms with star power forward LaMarcus Aldridge.
