Report: Raptors trade Steve Novak to the Jazz for cap relief
Tap here to access our NBA Tracker, which includes offseason rumors, trades and signings.
The Utah Jazz have reportedly acquired one of the league's best three-point shooters in forward Steve Novak.
The report comes from Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports, who cites the deal as Novak and a future second-round pick going to Jazz in exchange for guard Diante Garrett, who is expected to be immediately waived by the Raptors.
Novak profiles as a one-dimensional three-point specialist. He boasts a career three-point percentage of 43.2 percent, and is excellent in catch-and-shoot situations. At 6-foot-10, Novak can play either forward positions, although his lack of mobility renders him a massive defensive liability.
From the Raptors' perspective, the move amounts to little more than a salary dump.
Novak has two years, $7.2 million remaining on his deal. By parting with Novak's salary, the Raptors move further from the luxury tax threshold, and can afford more wiggle room in trying to re-sign point guard Greivis Vasquez. The full mid-level exception also becomes a more realistic possibility for the Raptors.