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

By Nate Wolf

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)
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) /
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TORONTO, ON – MAY 05: Cory Joseph #6 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles the ball in the first half of Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre on May 5, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. 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. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – MAY 05: Cory Joseph #6 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles the ball in the first half of Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre on May 5, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. 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. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

Indiana Pacers

On paper, the Pacers traded C.J. Miles for Cory Joseph. Those players are of roughly equal basketball value and are paid roughly the same amount annually.

You can’t evaluate the trade in that manner, however. Miles was a free agent who the Pacers were uninterested in re-signing. At 30 years old, Miles just isn’t on the ideal timeline for a rebuilding team in need of high upside youngsters and veteran mentors. Basically, the Pacers traded nothing for Cory Joseph.

The only cost incurred on Indiana’s part is the remaining two years and $15.7 million on Joseph’s contract. In 2018, Joseph can opt out and become a free agent, and given the need for backup point guards in the NBA, it’s probable he will. It’s not like the Pacers really needed the $7.7 million in space Joseph takes up, meaning his acquisition comes with little financial risk.

On the court, Joseph provides a reliable third guard to play alongside Victor Oladipo and new signing Darren Collison. The latter will compete with Joseph for the starting point guard job, but all three players will soak up huge minutes in an otherwise shallow Indiana backcourt.

Joseph and Oladipo should make up a feisty defensive tandem, as both are quick, possess decent size, and can play against 1s and many 2s. Unlike many long-time backups, Joseph isn’t a liability guarding starters, which is a luxury for a rebuilding squad like Indiana.

Offensively, Joseph gives the team another ball-handler with proven playmaking skills. The Canadian is used to playing with ball-dominant guards, meaning he won’t eat into Oladipo’s touches. Instead, the two can work in tandem with the knowledge that Joseph is there as a late-clock security blanket in the pick-and-roll.

Overall, the Pacers did well to grab a solid player on a good contract. Joseph will give them reliable minutes in a rebuilding year, and if things turn sour and Indiana needs to collect more assets, the team can always flip Joseph’s contract for a pick, much like the Phoenix Suns did last season with P.J. Tucker.

Pacers president of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard made a questionable first trade this offseason. His second – this one – was flawless.

Grade: A

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