NBA Trade Grades: Raptors add C.J. Miles in sign-and-trade with Pacers

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 08: C.J. Miles #0 of the Indiana Pacers is seen during the game against the Detroit Pistons at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 8, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

In a deal that makes sense for both sides, the Indiana Pacers get compensation for a departing free agent, while the Toronto Raptors plug a gaping hole on the wing with C.J. Miles.

Having retained Kyle Lowry and Serge Ibaka in free agency, the Toronto Raptors are retooling, not restarting. The Indiana Pacers, on the other hand, are entering a sudden and painful post-Paul George rebuild around Myles Turner.

Often times, two teams on opposite trajectories make ideal trade partners. That was the case Sunday afternoon, when the Raptors swapped Cory Joseph for free agent C.J. Miles in a rare sign-and-trade deal.

Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN first broke the news, later adding that Miles’ contract with the Raptors would be worth a cool $25 million over three years, with a player option for the 2019-20 season.

Miles, a 30-year-old wing, had previously played for the Utah Jazz and Cleveland Cavaliers. In 2014 free agency, he moved to Indiana, where he enjoyed three of the best years of his career.

Joseph is just 25, but already has a championship ring from his time in San Antonio. A Toronto native, Joseph came back home in 2015, and his departure undoubtedly stings. Not just a hometown hero, Joseph also excelled as a backup guard with the Raptors, forming an elite backcourt trio along with DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry.

Both players in this deal are quality NBA talents who can flit in between starting and reserve roles. Neither Toronto nor Indiana “lost” this trade. In fact, both probably won.

Let’s break down each team’s haul in detail with NBA Trade Grades.

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