The Toronto Raptors are looking to part ways with some of their key players after a nine-game losing streak dropped them to the No.11 spot in the Eastern Conference and out of the playoff contention.
According to ESPN’s NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski, the Raptors informed other teams that they will listen to offers for All-Star Kyle Lowry and guard Norman Powell. Both players have multiple suitors, although neither deal seems close to being finalized just yet.
Lowry is particularly drawing attention from the Miami Heat and the Philadelphia 76ers, although Wojnarowski points out that both teams “have shown restraint in how far they’ll go” to pull off a trade.
Powell, on the other hand, is almost certainly gone with the question only being who will make the best offer to get him.
Kyle Lowry is playing his ninth season with the Raptors, having joined the organization in a trade from Houston Rockets in 2012. He earned six All-Star nods in Toronto and helped the franchise win an NBA title in 2019.
While Lowry established himself as one of the franchise legends, the Raptors’ decision to move him isn’t surprising. Toronto is seemingly heading towards a soft rebuild, and getting assets for a 34-year-old player on an expiring contract would be a great way to kick start the process.
Norman Powell, who is currently playing his best NBA season and averaging 19.5 points per game, is also heading towards free agency. Powell is expected to reject his player option and explore the market, where he’ll likely find offers that the Raptors will have a hard time matching.
