Earlier on Sunday the Spurs withdrew their qualifying offer to Cory Joseph, as reported by SAEN's Mike Monroe. Joseph became a restricted free agent and has agreed to a four-year, $30 million contract with the Toronto Raptors, according to ESPN's Chris Broussard.
The Spurs already saw Aron Baynes and Marco Belinelli sign lucrative deals with the Pistons and Kings, respectively. Losing bench depth is part of the price of landing a max-contract free-agent.
The Raptors traded Greivis Vasquez on draft night and let Lou Williams walk in free agency on Sunday. Perhaps not coincidentally, that's when the Spurs withdrew their qualifying offer to Joseph, paving the way for a return to his native Toronto, where he will become the primary backup to All-Star Kyle Lowry.
In four years with the Spurs, Joseph served as a starter on 43 nights and averaged five points, two rebounds and two assists. His crowning moment came on Game 4 of the 2013/14 Western conference finals, when he dunked on Serge Ibaka.
Thanks for everything Cory, and good luck with the Raptors.
Per league source, #Spurs have withdrawn qualifying offer to @Cory_Joe making him unrestricted FA
— Mike Monroe (@Monroe_SA) July 5, 2015
ESPN sources say newly unrestricted free agent Cory Joseph is closing in on a deal with the Toronto Raptors
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) julio 6, 2015
Sources: Cory Joseph and the Toronto Raptors have agreed to a 4-year year deal worth $30 million
— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) julio 6, 2015
#WeTheNorth here I come!!!!!
— Cory Joseph (@Cory_Joe) julio 6, 2015
Cory Joseph thanked the city, fans and organization in a message:
A sincere thank you to all the fans, RC, Coach Pop and the entire Spurs organization for all the support over the last 4 years. SA will always be close to my heart... had my first game and first championship here! #ThankYou #NextChapter