When Raptors signed Kyle Lowry for a $ 31 million one-year extension to their 2019 NBA Championship, there was immediate speculation as to whether it was a contract to make Lowry a more attractive trade target, as he would be under team control until 2021. be. season.
Here we are in the 2021 season.
The Raptors held on to Lowry last season and were once again a team of the highest level. This season did not go so well. The Raptors started treacherously on Thursday, playing with a record of 17-17, good enough for the current No. 5 series in the top-heavy Eastern Conference, but not nearly meaningful quarrel.
There is an argument that Toronto could be a buyer and add a piece for another possible playoff game, but with Lowry turning 35 and having a running deal, it appears that GM, Masai Ujiri, may be out of the While ahead, you should trade the franchise icon while the value is relatively high, rather than facing the dilemma of resigning him this summer or losing him for free.
In light of that, the 76ers, Clippers and Heat have emerged as potential trading partners for Lowry, according to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer, who added that Lowry ‘wants to be in Philly’ and that the birds of prey ‘want to reward’. Lowry for his years of service by helping him get a chance to win another NBA title. ‘From Pompey:
The source believes the Sixers and Raptors may be able to do something. But when it comes down to it, Toronto will most likely have a choice, young players and veterans with contracts for Lowry expiring.
From the Sixers point of view, a trade for Lowry makes perfect sense given their needs. More three-point shooting and a perimeter playmaker are their two biggest, and perhaps only, holes. Lowry is also from Philadelphia. He attended Cardinal Dougherty High School before playing his college ball at Villanova. His tough identity as a player embodies the heartbeat of that city. A basketball game between player, team and city could not get much better.
Lowry is earning $ 30.5 million this season. To make the money work, while likely to get Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, Tobias Harris and Seth Curry (who are too valuable as shooters to give up) off the table, Philly will need a trade package with Danny Green and Mike Scott start. both of which are expiring transactions and together earning $ 20 million. From there, Philadelphia can add Terrance Ferguson and rookie Tyrese Maxey, who is the young asset Toronto wants to acquire.
Whether the Raptors prefer Maxey or future draft picks, or both, as the main consideration for Lowry, the benefits of a deal are there. As for the Clippers, Lou Williams and Patrick Patterson are expiring deals and that could be the basis of the money, though more needs to be added. But the Clippers do not have a young attraction like Maxey, depending on what you think of Terance Mann. They will have to build the package around choices, but as a championship candidate it will pick in the late 20s that carry just as much value.
Miami can make the money work very easily. Meyers Leonard or Kelly Olynyk and Andre Iguodala (team option for 2021-22) get it done. As for the young asset, the Heat trading Tyler Herro is for Lowry by no means. Duncan Robinson might be an option, or the rookie Precious Achiuwa.
For me, the Heat can offer the best deal with Robinson and a choice. But Maxey is really intriguing, and if Philly is where Lowry wants to go, and this report that Toronto will err on the side of doing right by Lowry is accurate, the Sixers certainly make a lot of sense.