Trade Proposal: The ‘Wright’ time to trade Cory Joseph

Cory Joseph has been one of the better backup PGs in the league since signing with the Toronto Raptors in 2015. Lately, Joseph’s play has tailed off where the possibility of trading him has become very real. The ineptitude of ‘CoJo’ combined with the recent terrific display of Delon Wright forces Toronto to contemplate a future without Joseph.

The case to keep Cory Joseph

Before I begin, there are plenty of reasons to disagree with the overall argument I will be making. Firstly, a two-month slump cannot be reason to trade Cory Joseph for the simple fact that the entire team has been struggling, with an 11-16 record since December 28th. Second, Joseph has tons of playoff experience which proved crucial in last year’s deep playoff run.

May 21, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Cory Joseph (6) reacts after guard DeMar DeRozan (10) hit a three point shot against Cleveland Cavaliers in game three of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Joseph is a tremendous teammate who has absolutely no history of off-the-court transgressions. Furthermore, he emerged from being a late-2nd round selection seemingly stranded in the NBA D-League to a premier bench option in the NBA. Lastly, who in their right mind wants to see a hometown success story get traded away?

The case to trade Cory Joseph

According to PistonPowered editor and NBA columnist Duncan Smith, since January 18th, Cory Joseph has a -14.1 net rating with a horrid 44.8 TS%. Now we all know the saying: Men lie, women lie but numbers don’t — and boy are those numbers bad.

Joseph has been given multiple benchings this year with head coach Dwane Casey publically sounding off on his declining play. Casey and Joseph had conflicting opinions on the benching with Joseph amounting it to giving rookie Fred VanVleet an opportunity while Casey specifically mentioned Joseph’s dwindling defensive ability.

Moreover, the Raptors have built an exceptional pipeline of talent with architects Masai Ujiri and GM Jeff Weltman primarily responsible. One of Ujiri’s central goals as President of the franchise was to create a NBA developmental league affiliate for the Raptors.

Check.

Apr 2, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Delon Wright (55) warms up before the game against the San Antonio Spurs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Raptors 905 has allowed Toronto to monitor and create roster depth that the franchise has historically never had. Specifically, the point guard position has been as strong as ever with Lowry, Joseph and two capable NBA backup-caliber guards in Wright and VanVleet. Trading Joseph is not as wild an idea as some put it.

Why not fill a roster hole (namely, SF depth) without creating another one?

The trade

In this trade, the Raptors acquire versatile forward, Al-Farouq Aminu. The 26 year-old Nigerian stretch-four was selected with the 8th overall selection by the LA Clippers in the 2010 NBA Draft. Finally finding a comfortable home in Portland (his 4th NBA team), he has been a key cog in their rotation for the last two seasons.

Aminu is a long, athletic forward who stands at 6’9, 220lbs and is easily able to slide to the ‘4’ position if need be. A so-so long-range shooter with a career 31% 3PT who badly lacks shot-creating ability.

Oct 10, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Al-Farouq Aminu (8) combines with forward Ed Davis (17) to block the shot by Sacramento Kings center Willie Cauley-Stein (00) during the second quarter at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Long story short, offense is not his forte.

The defensive end of the floor is where he makes his money. Al-Farouq is undoubtedly the heart and soul of the Blazers defense. The constant communication, presence and sheer passion on display defensively is what makes Aminu, Aminu.

Why this trade works

Aminu gives the Raptors depth not only behind DeMarre Carroll but also Ibaka and/or Patrick Patterson if either were to suffer an injury.

This also prevents Dwane Casey from repeatedly matching up Norman Powell (who is 6’4, mind you) on opposing small forwards.

Additionally, this trade works because Aminu and Cory Joseph are on very similar contracts salary-wise. After this current NBA season, Aminu has two years and $14.3M remaining on his contract while Joseph has two years and $15.5M remaining.

Mar 4, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors point guard Cory Joseph (6) makes a move towards the basket against Portland Trail Blazers forward Maurice Harkless (4) at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Trail Blazers 117-115. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

The Blazers will have an established backup PG replacing the young journeyman, Shabazz Napier. Also with the recent Portland signing of Maurice Harkless, a player similar to Aminu, the loss is minimized.

Rapture Nation, let me know your thoughts on this particular trade. Does Delon Wright make CoJo expendable? Should Masai still be looking to add before the Trade Deadline? Complementary pieces? Go all-in for a superstar? Drop your thoughts below.