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Cory Joseph will reportedly opt-in to contract and remain with Pacers

By Tony East

INDIANAPOLIS - SEPTEMBER 25: Cory Joseph #6 of the Indiana Pacers poses for a portrait during the Pacers Media Day at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on September 25, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and condition of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS - SEPTEMBER 25: Cory Joseph #6 of the Indiana Pacers poses for a portrait during the Pacers Media Day at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on September 25, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and condition of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Cory Joseph has reportedly exercised his player option for next season and will be a member of the Indiana Pacers.

Cory Joseph had an interesting decision to make this offseason: would he rather opt-in to his $7,945,000 contract and remain with the Pacers, or would he prefer to opt out of that contract and pursue a longer deal anywhere he chooses? He had until June 19th to decide, but CoJo made up his mind early.

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported this morning that Joseph had decided which choice he prefers:

Cory Joseph is opting in. Joseph, who turns 27 in August, apparently wanted no part of free agency this summer. He decided instead that he would rather be a member of the Indiana Pacers next season.

The timing of this decision is fascinating. Joseph still had over a month to make the final call on whether he would opt in or out. His decision to return coming so early suggests one of two things (though both can be true):

  1. Cory Joseph really likes playing for the Pacers and had no doubts in his mind he wanted to come back for another season.
  2. Cory Joseph’s agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, did his market research and determined that Joseph couldn’t get more than the $7.95 mil he is owed if he opted for free agency.

Either way, Joseph is back for another year. Joseph was excellent in his first season in Indiana and was a key part of the rotation all year long. His 2210 minutes played were the 4th most on the team last season and his defense made him an integral part of the Pacers’ success.

Joseph is now eligible to be traded before July first, which is generally only applicable on draft night. It is unlikely that such a key member of the team would be traded unless the Pacers get an overwhelming offer that they can’t refuse.

Joseph’s decision will also have an impact on the team’s decision to bring back Darren Collison or not. Collison’s contract is only partially guaranteed for next season, but the team will make that resolution in the future.

Next: Important offseason dates to keep an eye on for the Pacers

But that’s all superfluous info at this point. The news is what it is: Cory Joseph is coming back. Barring a trade, he will be a member of the Indiana Pacers next season. Given that he is a talented player, that is great news.

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