OKC Thunder should target Cory Joseph as their backup point guard

OKC Thunder and Toronto Raptors are both in jeopardy of surpassing the luxury tax apron, but if Sam Presti targets Cory Joseph the two squads could conceivably solve each others most pressing issue.

Landing Paul George was huge, but a priority need for the OKC Thunder remains a backup point guard. Top talents remain available in free agency (George Hill), but could Sam Presti work with another club who also needs to shed salary to add a quality backup who would move them higher up the West’s ladder?

Raptors need to shed salary:

To wit, the Raptors re-signed Kyle Lowry and Serge Ibaka committing $165 million over the next 3-years. Blake Murphy of Raptors Republic offered the best take on the Lowry deal and salary cap implications for Toronto in his must read article:

"The work is not done. The Raptors have plenty of cap gymnastics to work their way through, still. If Lowry and Ibaka’s deals are both fully back-loaded, the Raptors have an estimated $132.2 million in salary committed to 14 players. That’s not only well into the luxury tax, but it’s past the tax apron. The Raptors have the $5.19-million taxpayer mid-level exception available to use on a 15th player, but it seems a near certainty that they will unload a salary at some point, maybe two. Their commitment for 2018-19 is nearly as large already, making a few assumptions, with no players set to come off the books and only one player option. Norman Powell is due a big raise in restricted free agency next summer. (Lucas Nogueira and Bruno Caboclo will also be restricted free agents, albeit easier cap casualties if need be.)"

The presumption was GM Masai Ujiri earmarked Jonas Valanciunas ($15.4M in 2017 signed through 2019-20 with a player option) or DeMarre Carroll ($14.8M in 2017 signed through summer of 2019) as shedable salaries. Theoretically, the loss of PJ Tucker in free agency and uncertainty of free agent Patterson may have given Carroll a reprieve (although a solid Summer League by Pascal Siakam may change that thinking). Rumors in the 6ix were these two were on the block, but to date apparently teams haven’t bitten.

Cory Joseph rumored to be available:

So, sights shifted to backup point guard Cory Joseph. The Canadian is set to earn an extremely economical $7.6 million next season. Joseph also has a player option at year end. Of the three, Joseph is the most intrinsic to the Raptors core. However, Delon Wright much like Norman Powell is ready to take another step forward. Arguably the Raptors boast the deepest point guard talent in the Association. Fred VanVleet is the fourth point guard and a Kyle Lowry clone.All this points to Joseph likely being the most tradeable option. Presumably Joseph is also the most in demand of the three, due to his economical salary and skillset. In fact, rumors swirled the Pacers were interested in trading for Joseph.

Toronto Raptors have discussed a trade that would send point guard Cory Joseph to the Indiana Pacers league sources told Basketball Insiders
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) July 2, 2017

What isn’t known is whether the Raptors are solely seeking a salary dump. In that case the move seems odd since Joseph could be moved at the deadline. This would allow Wright time to blend into the team’s system while maintaining core consistency. Notably, moves made right up to the final day of the regular season count. So why shed Joseph prior to season start for draft picks when he would contribute toward wins.

Joseph economical top end backup point guard talent:

But, could the two GM Magicians strike a deal to help each other? And, are their any existing assets on the Thunder Ujiri might have interest in to fill Toronto’s roster holes? The most obvious needs for Toronto are added perimeter scoring and wing or power forward depth. None of these are a particular strength or exist in abundance on the current Thunder roster. Potentially, the Raptors might be intrigued by rookie Terrance Ferguson. Albeit he’d require time to grow under Jerry Stackhouse in the G-League.

What OKC can offer in return:

The other options would be Jerami Grant or Doug McDermott along with draft picks. Problem is the Thunder have precious few of those to offer either. Both their 2018 and 2020 first round picks have been traded to Minnesota and Orlando respectively. Ironically, Toronto is the team with draft pick depth with all their first round picks in hand and a second round pick acquired via Jeff Weltman’s departure to Orlando refilled the hole left from the PJ Tucker trade which sent Toronto’s 2018 second round pick to the Suns.

Backup point guard priority for Presti:

In terms of OKC Thunder roster needs the priority roster gap remains a backup point guard. With Paul George more than capable of spearheading the offense it might seem like this is less of a concern now. But, if the OKC Thunder want to be competitive with their Western opponents (hello James Harden-Chris Paul , Steph Curry-Klay Thompson, and Damian Lillard-CJ McCollum) then it would behoove Presti to keep this as a high offseason priority.

Heading into Friday I posted a short list of potential economical point guards OKC should consider. Granted, my list has shrunken given two players re-signed with their former teams (Livingston/Mills). Yet, I maintain the other three warrant a look. Furthermore, the list didn’t include Joseph because at the time it was inconceivable Toronto would consider moving the Canadian. However, with the presumption Ujiri is looking to clear salary it behooves Presti to at least inquire about the plethora of point guards on the Raptors.