Is the Kyle Lowry Era Over?
What’s next for Kyle Lowry and the Toronto Raptors?
The Raptors have eaten from the same hand that fed them a six game Eastern Conference Finals loss just a year ago. In fairness, Cleveland and LeBron have been terrorizing the East for some time now, but Toronto had higher expectations going into their semifinal series than what they ended up with. Getting swept in the playoffs is embarrassing, and not something Kyle Lowry and the Raptors are unfamiliar with (being swept by the Wizards just a few years ago). The worst thing a team can be in the NBA is mediocre, and Toronto has only walked the line of decency and excellency for the past few years. When one of the pillars of your franchise is on the free agency market, it gives you a chance to do some self evaluation. Lowry is 31, just coming off a wrist injury that sidelined him for awhile, and is about to get paaaaaiiid this summer. It’s unfortunate and a bit painful, but it’s probably time to wave goodbye to the Kyle Lowry era.
After sitting out both games three and four of their most recent playoff series, it became pretty clear that we might have seen the end of Lowry in Toronto. He’s also made comments about considering Western Conference teams in free agency and his desire to win an NBA title. Those are not the most reassuring words if you want to see Lowry in the red and white again, but I don’t think there’s anything that can be done.
Lowry is 31-years-old and his injury concerns have been troubling, including a wrist injury this season that sidelined him for a significant amount of time. He decided to play in the All-Star Game instead of resting his wrist, and it ultimately came back to bight him when he missed 18 games as a result. Lowry is going to demand max money, and he probably should. He’s been one of the better point guards in the NBA for the past few years. However, I can’t see Masai Ujiri paying that kind of money for an older guard. The point guard market is oversaturated as it is, so if you’re going to pay max money it better be a smart investment; resigning Lowry to a max deal is not that.
There are a handful of teams in play for the three-time All-Star, however. San Antonio might be interested, considering their lack of depth at point guard and Tony Parker’s injury history. Chris Paul is also in the mix for San Antonio, and if those plans fall through, Lowry could be a real possibility.
The Lowry to Philadelphia rumors have also been rather prominent as well. Reports cite that there is mutual interest on both sides. Lowry grew up in Philly and played his college ball at Villinova, and Bryan Colangelo (current 76ers GM, former Raptors GM) is the one who brought Lowry to Toronto. I have no doubt that they’ll make a run at Lowry, and why shouldn’t they? Philly hasn’t had a legitimate starting point guard since Jrue Holiday. Lowry could really help legitimize a young team that is trending upwards for the first time in recent memory.
Then, of course there’s always the possibility that Toronto can resign him. I’d be ignorant to consider it entirely impossible. They do have the advantage of being able to pay him more than any other team, and his chemistry with the fans and the team is undeniable. Kyle Lowry is beloved in Toronto, and whether he stays or he departs, he will always be the figurehead for the shift that the Raptors experienced during his tenure. The Kyle Lowry era is a representation of when a sullen franchise finally cocooned into a legitimate, respectable NBA team. Lowry has spent the best years of his career in Toronto, and it’s not completely out of the question that Ujiri brings him back.
At this point, it’s all about what Kyle Lowry wants. If he wants the money, Toronto is where he’ll get the most of it. If he wants rings, he’ll end up in San Antonio. If he wants to go back home, it’s Philly. Lowry gets to decide the next chapter of his NBA life, and the things that are truly important to him will come to fruition in his decision.
There is a potential scenario that might benefit both parties equally. Whether it’s something that’s truly on the table or not has remained to be seen, but it would be interesting both ways. I see a sign-and-trade really being possible with a team like the 76ers, because they can afford the contract. There will be more teams willing to pay up for the 31-year-old than just Philadelphia, and if San Antonio, Denver, or the Clippers come knocking he has no reason not to sign. If Colangelo really wants to bring Lowry back home, I think a sign-and-trade could be beneficial to all parties.
In my opinion, Lowry is in a different uniform for the 2017/2018 season. He’s a guy that wants to win, and no team in the East (including Toronto) has shown the potential of getting past LeBron. Lowry had the twilight of his career in Toronto and revitalized what felt like a lifeless franchise, and as a fan of that franchise, I have nothing but respect and love for him. But the time seems right for him to move on. If that’s the case, thank you for all you did for the city of Toronto and Canadians everywhere, Kyle. We wish you nothing but the best in your future endeavors. And as always, fuck Brooklyn.
