The Toronto Raptors have a difficult decision to make with the NBA Trade Deadline about a month away. What should they do with their longtime starting point guard, Kyle Lowry?
Lowry is in the final year of his contract and will turn 35 on deadline day. While the Raptors have turned things around this season, moving up to fifth in the Eastern Conference after a 2-8 start, the team could look to part ways with Lowry.
It makes sense to shop the former All-Star and see what is available. They have committed a lot of money to Fred VanVleet to take over as the lead guard, so it is unlikely that Lowry would get much money on a new contract from Toronto.
Given Lowry’s skill set and experience, he would fit in seamlessly with a team looking to improve their roster for a postseason run. If the Raptors are serious about trading Lowry, there have been three teams to emerge thus far.
According to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Philadelphia 76ers, Miami Heat and LA Clippers have emerged as potential suitors for the former Villanova standout.
It is no surprise those three teams have emerged. The 76ers and Clippers have emerged as two of the best teams in the NBA this season and Lowry could help push them closer to being title contenders. He would help move each closer to match the talent that the Brooklyn Nets have compiled with their Big 3 of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden.
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The Miami Heat, while struggling this season, have begun turning things around. The defending Eastern Conference champions are now sitting in eighth place. That is not a team that the higher seeds want to see in the first round of the playoffs at any time. If they were to acquire Lowry, they would become even more of a challenge.
The Kyle Lowry situation is certainly one to keep an eye on in the coming weeks. Toronto will weigh offers and decide if he is worth trading. Wherever he lands up could sway the landscape of the NBA when it comes to championship contenders.
