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Report: Raptors trade Steve Novak to the Jazz for cap relief

Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports / reuters

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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.

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