Report: Spurs withdraw qualifying offer to Cory Joseph, making him UFA

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The San Antonio Spurs have withdrawn their qualifying offer to reserve guard Cory Joseph, according to Mike Monroe of the San Antonio Express-News.

By doing so, the four-year veteran would immediately become an unrestricted free agent, rather than a restricted one. The news is something of a surprise given that Joseph has worked his way into a valued rotation role for the Spurs, but it's also understandable given that San Antonio has added LaMarcus Aldridge's salary to the cap mix. From the perspective of backcourt depth, the move could also signal that the Spurs fully expect Manu Ginobili to return.

Joseph had his best NBA season to date in 2014-15, hitting career highs in points (6.8), assists (2.4), field-goal percentage (50.4), and 3-point percentage (36.4). The Canadian, who turns 24 next month, will certainly receive interest, including from his hometown Toronto Raptors. With the trade of Greivis Vasquez, the Raps are still short a tested backup to point guard Kyle Lowry.