Raptors officially sign DeMarre Carroll, Cory Joseph

Defense was a major point of emphasis for the Toronto Raptors this summer and they managed to snag two of the top defenders in free agency.

Swingman DeMarre Carroll and point guard Cory Joseph both signed with the Raptors on Thursday. Carroll's deal is reportedly worth $60 million over four years, while Joseph will receive $30 million over four years.

Both Joseph and Carroll were introduced at their respective press conferences Thursday. The deals were made official after the league's signing moratorium was lifted at 12:01 a.m. ET.

First, a teary-eyed Carroll expressed his tremendous gratitude to the Raptors and his former team, the Atlanta Hawks, for providing him with opportunities. He also echoed the Raptors' theme of strengthening their 25th-ranked defense.

Carroll profiles as an elite 3-and-D player and helped the Hawks to a 60-win season last year. He will presumably replace Terrence Ross at small forward, which should provide a tremendous upgrade on defense, while maintaining the ability to stretch the floor.

Joseph's signing was also steeped in sentiment, as it was a homecoming of sorts for the Canadian guard, who's from nearby Pickering, Ontario, a small town 30 minutes east of Toronto.

Joseph was ecstatic about the signing.

Joseph will slot in at backup point guard and will likely find time at shooting guard as well. The 23-year-old arrives from the San Antonio Spurs' system and should bring energy and hustle to the Raptors' collection of questionable perimeter defenders.