The bird of prey watchdog Kyle Lowry is the biggest name to look at approaching the deadline.
Or not.
Michael Grange from Sportsnet:
Lowry will not be dealt with before the March 25 deadline.
What about the reports Lowry prefers a trade over the 76ers and has told people that he is convinced Toronto will trade him? Lowry and his agent, Mark Bartelstein, denied it.
The Raptors, of course, determine if they will trade Lowry. His desires and predictions matter just as much as the team wants it to matter.
But according to Grange’s credible reporting, Toronto will retain Lowry.
Presumably, the Raptors’ decision only came after the market was thoroughly evaluated. Lowry turns 35 on the deadline and is in the final year of his contract. Toronto has limited this season with its upside. It was at least worth considering a trade.
There is also value in keeping Lowry. The Raptors are up to eighth in the Eastern Conference and can wage a fight in the playoffs. In addition to his production, Lowry has a lot of sentimental value.
If he retains Lowry, Toronto will face a dilemma during the off-season. Lowry is a 35-year-old unlimited free agent. He is not ashamed to strive for a high salary (and should not be). The Raptors have already invested in Fred VanVleet of their point guard of the future.
Much may change over the next two weeks. Maybe Toronto is tumbling in the leaderboard. Maybe another team improves its trading offer for Lowry more than expected.
But it could be a perfectly reasonable conclusion for the Raptors to keep Lowry and deal with the complications this summer. It will at least be a welcome outcome for anyone who enjoys the identity that Lowry and Toronto forged together and wants to see it last a little longer.