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

By Nate Wolf | Jul 11, 2017

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) /

3 of 3

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) /

Toronto Raptors

Last Friday, I outlined a way for Toronto to attain C.J. Miles. The Raptors would have to make a salary dump to get well below the luxury tax apron. At that point, they’d regain the non-taxpayer mid-level exception, which is what Miles basically received.

More from Indiana Pacers

In a roundabout way, Raptors general manager Masai Ujiri pulled it off. He first dumped DeMarre Carroll, at the cost of two picks, to the Brooklyn Nets. That move got Toronto right around the tax line, but it basically left zero proven small forwards on the roster.

Next, however, Ujiri pulled off this deal, and Miles is an immediate Carroll replacement. Dumping Joseph just to swap out Carroll for Miles is painful, but there are a couple considerations to look at.

First, despite his off-the-bench excellence for the last two seasons, Joseph was dispensable. Third-string point guard Delon Wright is not as good as Joseph, and he’s also the same age. That being said, the consensus is that Wright is ready to become Toronto’s backup ball-handler.

Wright’s career per 36 minute line of 13.5 points and 4.7 assists to just 2.2 turnovers are solid. More importantly, he’s a long player with quick hands and legitimate defensive potential.

Another good move for the Raps. Delon Wright should be ready for backup PG role. CJ Miles is good, needed uptick in 3-point shooting.
— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) July 9, 2017

Second, by “trading” for Miles, the Raptors can still use the mid-level exception. They’re now hard-capped at the tax apron, giving them only about $6.5 million, but that’s enough to sign yet another rotation-level player if Ujiri so chooses.

On the court, Miles projects as Toronto’s starting 3. He shot 41.3 percent from beyond the arc last season on 8.3 attempts per 36 minutes. And at 6’6″ and 225 pounds, Miles can defend positions 2-4.

Those are necessary skills next to DeMar DeRozan, a scoring savant whose perimeter shot and defensive intensity are notoriously unreliable. Miles will stretch the floor for DeRozan and Kyle Lowry pick-and-rolls, which are the bread and butter of Toronto’s attack.

Ultimately, Miles was a highly-coveted free agent at a position of need. Signing him to a fair three-year pact is a shrewd piece of business that should improve Toronto in the short run without sacrificing long-term flexibility.

Next: 2017 NBA free agency tracker - Grades for every deal so far

The Raptors just added size, shooting, and depth. Now, surely, there’s another move on the horizon.

Grade: B+

Home/Indiana Pacers