Fan Duel Toronto Raptors

Report: Spurs withdraw qualifying offer for Cory Joseph, Raptors expected to ‘kick the tires’

With the loss of Greivis Vasquez and Lou Williams, the Raptors could use some backcourt help in the form of Cory Joseph.

With the loss of Greivis Vasquez and Lou Williams, the Raptors could use some backcourt help in the form of Cory Joseph.

A light Sunday has churned out quite a few rumors. In addition to Williams signing with the Lakers, there’s also a nugget to pass along regarding Canadian guard Cory Joseph.

Before everyone gets up in arms, no, the Raptors aren’t just interested in Joseph because he’s Canadian. The 23-year-old Spurs product is a good defender, athletic driver and an improving jumpshooter. Given that the Raptors have shed Vasquez and Williams this summer, grabbing Joseph — a guard with upside — is an opportunity to fill a need for the present with a potential future payout.

Joseph’s averages are modest. In 18.3 minutes per game, Joseph posted 6.8 points. 2.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists with the Spurs last season. He served as the backup for Tony Parker and filled in admirably while second-string point guard Patty Mills sat out due to injury. His most impressive stretch came during 14 games as a starter (while Parker rehabbed a hamstring pull), where Joseph bumped his numbers to 13.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 34.6 minutes per game.

The Raptors have close to nine million in cap room to pull off a deal for Joseph. With the market settling down after four days of pure madness to start free agency, Joseph might slip under the radar. Anything under the mid-level should be considered a good buy.

But as Ryan Wolstat of the Toronto Sun notes, never count out the Spurs.