Veteran point guard Kyle Lowry has reportedly agreed to a contract buyout with the Charlotte Hornets. Upon clearing waivers, Lowry intends to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Lowry landed in Charlotte as part of the trade that sent Terry Rozier to the Miami Heat. The 37-year-old player had $10.6 million left on his contract, which was set to expire after the 2023-24 NBA season.

Lowry, who has six All-Star selections to his name, averaged 8.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.1 steals in 37 games with the Heat this season. He hasn’t suited up for the Hornets since being traded to the franchise on January 23.

The 76ers get an experienced guard in Lowry who can lead their bench unit and provide them with playmaking behind All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey. The move also reunites Lowry with head coach Nick Nurse, with whom he won an NBA title as part of the Toronto Raptors organization.

Lowry is a Philadelphia native who played high school basketball at Cardinal Dougherty and spent his college years with Villanova. He now finally gets an opportunity to play for his hometown team and perhaps help the 76ers make a deep playoff run.

The 76ers have been in free fall of sorts recently, losing eight out of their last 10 games. They will likely have to finish the regular season without star center Joel Embiid, who underwent meniscus surgery last week, but there is a strong possibility that the reigning NBA MVP will return for the playoffs. 

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The Miami Heat are getting younger at the point guard position. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Heat swapped veteran Kyle Lowry for point guard Terry Rozier in a trade with the Hornets.

Reportedly, the Heat will also send a first-round selection to Charlotte as part of the deal. The pick is lottery-protected in 2027 and unprotected in 2028.

Lowry hasn’t been on his usual level this season. While remaining engaged on defense, his averages were lowest since the 2009-10 campaign. In 37 games, Lowry has been averaging 8.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game.

Meanwhile, Rozier is having a career year in 2023-24. He is averaging a career-high 23.2 points and 6.6 assists per game while adding 3.9 rebounds. The Heat likely expect him to instill their starting lineup with more energy while providing a much bigger punch on the offense compared to Lowry.

The Hornets are among the worst teams in the league, so it doesn’t come as a surprise that they are sellers as the NBA trade deadline approaches. According to reports, the team is looking to move several other players. This now includes Lowry, who will be either traded or let go via contract buyout.

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The Miami Heat’s veteran guard Kyle Lowry saw his streak of 677 consecutive starts in the NBA end over the weekend against the Orlando Magic. And according to the six-time All-Star, he is quite okay with that.

Lowry hasn’t played since early February while dealing with knee soreness. He was available for the Magic game, but Heat coach Erik Spoelstra opted to leave him on the bench and didn’t sub him in until midway through the first quarter. The 36-year-old ended up playing 36 minutes in a 126-114 overtime loss, scoring 12 points and adding four assists.

After the game, Lowry said that he doesn’t care about starting games “at this point right now.” The last time he wasn’t a starter was when he played with the Toronto Raptors in the 2012-13 season.

“I know in my heart I’m a starter, but right now we have to figure out things,” Lowry told reporters. “And me and Spoelstra talked. He wants to make sure I’m healthy enough to not have a setback and have to change the lineup again and have to change the rotation again.”

Lowry has shown signs of decline this season, having the lowest points (12.0) and assists (5.2) averages since the 2010-11 campaign. This, alongside his health issues, has contributed to the Heat performing well below expected in 2022-23, with the team currently finding itself at No.7 in the East with a 36-33 record.

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The Miami Heat point guard Kyle Lowry is set to miss at least three games after picking up a knee injury. The 37-year-old player was missing from the Heat’s lineup during Saturday’s 115-123 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks after experiencing soreness in his left knee and is expected to be reevaluated by the team next week.

“I think this is just what you deal with in a long NBA season,” Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra said of Lowry’s injury on Tuesday. “There’s going to be unpredictable things. The encouraging thing about it is there doesn’t need to be a procedure or anything like that. We just need to calm it down and that’s where we are right now.”

Lowry is averaging 12.0 points and 5.3 assists on 39.6% shooting this season; all lower than last season, when the Heat was ranked number one going into the Eastern Conference playoffs. This is Lowry’s lowest-scoring season since the 2012-13 season, as well as the fewest assists that he has made since the 2009-10 season.

Currently, the Heat sits sixth in the Eastern Conference standings after going 29-25 on Saturday.

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The 2021 NBA free agency is off to an electric start, with several teams making big moves to position themselves for a successful 2021-22 season. The majority of the big-name free agents are already off the board, with some of them making surprising and unexpected decisions. Let’s check out the biggest deals and moves.

DeMar DeRozan Joins the Bulls

After spending the previous three seasons with San Antonio Spurs, four-time All-Star guard DeMar DeRozan is off to a new challenge. DeRozan is joining the Chicago Bulls in a sign-and-trade deal that will see him earn $85 million in the next three years. For their role in the deal, the Spurs gained Thaddeus Young, Al-Farouq Aminu, one first-round pick, and two second-rounders.

DeRozan finished the season averaging 21.6 points, 4.2 boards, and career-high 6.9 assists per game. The 32-year-old guard is expected to lead a revamped Bulls team that also signed guard Lonzo Ball on a four-year, $85 million deal and guard Alex Caruso on a four-year, $37 million contract.

Chris Paul Re-Signs With the Suns

After leading the Phoenix Suns to the NBA Finals in 2020-21, Chris Paul decided to run it back with the franchise by inking a new four-year, $120 million contract. Paul, who earned All-Star and All-NBA nods last season, previously declined his $44 million option for 2021-22.

Suns previously also picked up Landry Shamet from the Brooklyn Nets in a trade that saw them give up Jevon Carter and the No. 29 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.

Kyle Lowry Headed to Miami

The Miami Heat made a big addition to their roster as well, signing All-Star guard Kyle Lowry to a three-year, $90 million contract. Lowry joins from the Toronto Raptors in a sign-and-trade deal that will see the Heat sending Precious Achiuwa and Goran Dragic in exchange.

Lowry was courted by multiple NBA teams in the free agency but was interested only in the Heat as he wanted to play with Miami’s All-Star forward Jimmy Butler.

Miami made several other moves in the first days of free agency, agreeing to a five year, $90 million extension with sharpshooter Duncan Robinson, and resigning Victor Oladipo.

Lakers Get Carmelo Anthony, Add Several Others

The blockbuster trade for superstar Russell Westbrook left the Lakers with only five players under contract. Still, general manager Rob Pelinka quickly filled out the roster with veterans and young players through free agency.

The biggest news is definitely the addition of Carmelo Anthony, who signed on a one-year, veteran’s minimum contract. After being almost out of the league in 2019, Melo bounced back with two successful seasons in Portland and will now have a chance to compete for an NBA Championship with one of his best friends in LeBron James.

Lakers also added veterans Dwight Howard, Trevor Ariza, Wayne Ellington, and Kent Bazemore while signing pair of young and prospective players in Kendrick Nunn and Malik Monk. They also re-signed restricted free agent Talen Horton-Tucker.

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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.

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Toronto Raptors will be missing their two key starters for the upcoming stretch of games. The team announced over the weekend that All-Star point guard Kyle Lowry and forward Serge Ibaka are out with injuries.

Lowry and Ibaka both went down in the second quarter of Friday’s 122-104 win over the New Orleans Pelicans.

According to the team’s announcement, Lowry suffered a broken thumb and will be out at least two weeks. The team plans to reevaluate him after that.

Ibaka, on the other hand, sprained his ankle after trying to contest a layup. He is currently listed as “out indefinitely,” with the team hoping the get a more clear timetable following further evaluation.

Kyle Lowry has been playing great at the start of the season, averaging 21.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 6.5 assists, and 1.1 steals. On top of that, Lowry has been also shooting impressive 42.6 percent from the three-point line.

Serge Ibaka has been averaging 14.0 points and 6.5 rebounds per game.

Toronto Raptors are currently second in the Eastern Conference with 6-2 record. They have a five-game stretch on the road in front of them, which starts against the Los Angeles Lakers.

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Toronto Raptors’ point guard Kyle Lowry won’t be a part of the 2020 free agent class after all. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports that Lowry received a one-year extension from the Raptors, which now keeps him under contract until the summer of 2021.

Lowry’s agent Mark Bartelstein confirmed on Monday that his client has a new deal in place. The extension is reportedly worth $33 million.

Talkin to ESPN, Bartelstein was especially appreciative of Raptors’ president Masai Ujiri and general manager Bobby Webster’s willingness to get the deal done.

“We are so appreciative of how Masai and Bobby handled every aspect of this negotiation,” – said Bartelstein. “Once again, they displayed how they look after their players in a first-class manner, especially someone like Kyle who they recognize has such a legacy with the franchise.”

Kyle Lowry’s representatives and Raptors’ front office have been working on the extension for several months now. Both sides wanted to get the deal done before the start of the season, and ensure that the 33-year old All Star remains with the organization which he helped won their first NBA title last season.

Lowry joined the Raptors from Houston Rockets in 2012. He managed to establish himself as one of the team’s key players since then, and has been Toronto’s leader on and off the court. During his time with the organization, he managed to make five All-Star appearances.

Lowry averaged 14.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 8.7 assists per game past season. He added 15.0 points, 4.9 rebounds and 6.6 assists in the postseason.

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It’s the same old story: another basketball player drops out of Team USA’s roster for FIBA World Cup. But this time, it was a player that actually wanted to play on the tournament.

Toronto Raptors’ point guard Kyle Lowry announced on Instagram on Monday that he is forced to drop out of the team due to a thumb injury. According to Lowry, he wasn’t cleared by the medical staff to take part in the competition.

Lowry was dealing with thumb issues since the playoffs and had to undergo surgery last month to fix the injury. He hoped he will be able to recover in time for the World Cup, but realized that he will have to spend additional time rehabilitating after meeting with his surgeon. 

“I was hoping to be available in time to help my country in their quest for gold in this upcoming tournament,” – said Lowry in a statement. “I love playing for USAB, but I have to sit this one out and support the team from home.”

With Lowry out and Sacramento Kings’ Marvin Bagley deciding to pull his name out of the consideration, there are now 15 players left competing for the final 12 spots on the roster.

Team USA’s head coach Gregg Popovich will announce the final roster for FIBA World Cup 2019 on August 17th.

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Toronto Raptors find themselves in a strange situation this offseason. Although they are reigning NBA champions, Raptors are poised to head down the rebuilding path after their best player Kawhi Leonard decided to leave in the free agency and join the LA Clippers. 

Raptors currently have several veteran players on their roster – mainly Kyle Lowry, Marc Gasol, and Serge Ibaka – that can help them remain competitive and fight for the playoffs. But as all three are on expiring contract, the team was expected to move them and get some assets in return. However, Toronto won’t do this just yet.

TSN’s Josh Lewenberg recently reporter that Raptors “have no intentions” of moving their veteran players and will see if the group manages to remain competitive in the new NBA landscape.

“As for veterans Kyle Lowry, Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka – who are all on expiring deals – the Raptors have no intention of moving them, at least not before the season, according to sources,” – writes Lewenberg. “Like he did with previous Raptors teams, team president Masai Ujiri will give this group an opportunity to sink or swim before choosing a path and deciding what comes next.”

One of the reasons why the Toronto Raptors might keep Lowry, Gasol, and Ibaka, is to give their fans a reason to come to arena on game nights. This group, combined with young stars like Pascal Siakam has potential to maybe even reach the second round in the playoffs and give the city of Toronto a bit more basketball excitement. Also, it would not be a good image for the Raptors if they end up in the lottery just one year after lifting the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy.

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Veteran point guard Kyle Lowry has reportedly agreed to a contract buyout with the Charlotte Hornets. Upon clearing waivers, Lowry intends to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Lowry landed in Charlotte as part of the trade that sent Terry Rozier to the Miami Heat. The 37-year-old player had $10.6 million left on his contract, which was set to expire after the 2023-24 NBA season.

Lowry, who has six All-Star selections to his name, averaged 8.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.1 steals in 37 games with the Heat this season. He hasn’t suited up for the Hornets since being traded to the franchise on January 23.

The 76ers get an experienced guard in Lowry who can lead their bench unit and provide them with playmaking behind All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey. The move also reunites Lowry with head coach Nick Nurse, with whom he won an NBA title as part of the Toronto Raptors organization.

Lowry is a Philadelphia native who played high school basketball at Cardinal Dougherty and spent his college years with Villanova. He now finally gets an opportunity to play for his hometown team and perhaps help the 76ers make a deep playoff run.

The 76ers have been in free fall of sorts recently, losing eight out of their last 10 games. They will likely have to finish the regular season without star center Joel Embiid, who underwent meniscus surgery last week, but there is a strong possibility that the reigning NBA MVP will return for the playoffs. 

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The Miami Heat are getting younger at the point guard position. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Heat swapped veteran Kyle Lowry for point guard Terry Rozier in a trade with the Hornets.

Reportedly, the Heat will also send a first-round selection to Charlotte as part of the deal. The pick is lottery-protected in 2027 and unprotected in 2028.

Lowry hasn’t been on his usual level this season. While remaining engaged on defense, his averages were lowest since the 2009-10 campaign. In 37 games, Lowry has been averaging 8.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game.

Meanwhile, Rozier is having a career year in 2023-24. He is averaging a career-high 23.2 points and 6.6 assists per game while adding 3.9 rebounds. The Heat likely expect him to instill their starting lineup with more energy while providing a much bigger punch on the offense compared to Lowry.

The Hornets are among the worst teams in the league, so it doesn’t come as a surprise that they are sellers as the NBA trade deadline approaches. According to reports, the team is looking to move several other players. This now includes Lowry, who will be either traded or let go via contract buyout.

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The Miami Heat’s veteran guard Kyle Lowry saw his streak of 677 consecutive starts in the NBA end over the weekend against the Orlando Magic. And according to the six-time All-Star, he is quite okay with that.

Lowry hasn’t played since early February while dealing with knee soreness. He was available for the Magic game, but Heat coach Erik Spoelstra opted to leave him on the bench and didn’t sub him in until midway through the first quarter. The 36-year-old ended up playing 36 minutes in a 126-114 overtime loss, scoring 12 points and adding four assists.

After the game, Lowry said that he doesn’t care about starting games “at this point right now.” The last time he wasn’t a starter was when he played with the Toronto Raptors in the 2012-13 season.

“I know in my heart I’m a starter, but right now we have to figure out things,” Lowry told reporters. “And me and Spoelstra talked. He wants to make sure I’m healthy enough to not have a setback and have to change the lineup again and have to change the rotation again.”

Lowry has shown signs of decline this season, having the lowest points (12.0) and assists (5.2) averages since the 2010-11 campaign. This, alongside his health issues, has contributed to the Heat performing well below expected in 2022-23, with the team currently finding itself at No.7 in the East with a 36-33 record.

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The Miami Heat point guard Kyle Lowry is set to miss at least three games after picking up a knee injury. The 37-year-old player was missing from the Heat’s lineup during Saturday’s 115-123 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks after experiencing soreness in his left knee and is expected to be reevaluated by the team next week.

“I think this is just what you deal with in a long NBA season,” Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra said of Lowry’s injury on Tuesday. “There’s going to be unpredictable things. The encouraging thing about it is there doesn’t need to be a procedure or anything like that. We just need to calm it down and that’s where we are right now.”

Lowry is averaging 12.0 points and 5.3 assists on 39.6% shooting this season; all lower than last season, when the Heat was ranked number one going into the Eastern Conference playoffs. This is Lowry’s lowest-scoring season since the 2012-13 season, as well as the fewest assists that he has made since the 2009-10 season.

Currently, the Heat sits sixth in the Eastern Conference standings after going 29-25 on Saturday.

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The 2021 NBA free agency is off to an electric start, with several teams making big moves to position themselves for a successful 2021-22 season. The majority of the big-name free agents are already off the board, with some of them making surprising and unexpected decisions. Let’s check out the biggest deals and moves.

DeMar DeRozan Joins the Bulls

After spending the previous three seasons with San Antonio Spurs, four-time All-Star guard DeMar DeRozan is off to a new challenge. DeRozan is joining the Chicago Bulls in a sign-and-trade deal that will see him earn $85 million in the next three years. For their role in the deal, the Spurs gained Thaddeus Young, Al-Farouq Aminu, one first-round pick, and two second-rounders.

DeRozan finished the season averaging 21.6 points, 4.2 boards, and career-high 6.9 assists per game. The 32-year-old guard is expected to lead a revamped Bulls team that also signed guard Lonzo Ball on a four-year, $85 million deal and guard Alex Caruso on a four-year, $37 million contract.

Chris Paul Re-Signs With the Suns

After leading the Phoenix Suns to the NBA Finals in 2020-21, Chris Paul decided to run it back with the franchise by inking a new four-year, $120 million contract. Paul, who earned All-Star and All-NBA nods last season, previously declined his $44 million option for 2021-22.

Suns previously also picked up Landry Shamet from the Brooklyn Nets in a trade that saw them give up Jevon Carter and the No. 29 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.

Kyle Lowry Headed to Miami

The Miami Heat made a big addition to their roster as well, signing All-Star guard Kyle Lowry to a three-year, $90 million contract. Lowry joins from the Toronto Raptors in a sign-and-trade deal that will see the Heat sending Precious Achiuwa and Goran Dragic in exchange.

Lowry was courted by multiple NBA teams in the free agency but was interested only in the Heat as he wanted to play with Miami’s All-Star forward Jimmy Butler.

Miami made several other moves in the first days of free agency, agreeing to a five year, $90 million extension with sharpshooter Duncan Robinson, and resigning Victor Oladipo.

Lakers Get Carmelo Anthony, Add Several Others

The blockbuster trade for superstar Russell Westbrook left the Lakers with only five players under contract. Still, general manager Rob Pelinka quickly filled out the roster with veterans and young players through free agency.

The biggest news is definitely the addition of Carmelo Anthony, who signed on a one-year, veteran’s minimum contract. After being almost out of the league in 2019, Melo bounced back with two successful seasons in Portland and will now have a chance to compete for an NBA Championship with one of his best friends in LeBron James.

Lakers also added veterans Dwight Howard, Trevor Ariza, Wayne Ellington, and Kent Bazemore while signing pair of young and prospective players in Kendrick Nunn and Malik Monk. They also re-signed restricted free agent Talen Horton-Tucker.

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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.

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Toronto Raptors will be missing their two key starters for the upcoming stretch of games. The team announced over the weekend that All-Star point guard Kyle Lowry and forward Serge Ibaka are out with injuries.

Lowry and Ibaka both went down in the second quarter of Friday’s 122-104 win over the New Orleans Pelicans.

According to the team’s announcement, Lowry suffered a broken thumb and will be out at least two weeks. The team plans to reevaluate him after that.

Ibaka, on the other hand, sprained his ankle after trying to contest a layup. He is currently listed as “out indefinitely,” with the team hoping the get a more clear timetable following further evaluation.

Kyle Lowry has been playing great at the start of the season, averaging 21.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 6.5 assists, and 1.1 steals. On top of that, Lowry has been also shooting impressive 42.6 percent from the three-point line.

Serge Ibaka has been averaging 14.0 points and 6.5 rebounds per game.

Toronto Raptors are currently second in the Eastern Conference with 6-2 record. They have a five-game stretch on the road in front of them, which starts against the Los Angeles Lakers.

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Toronto Raptors’ point guard Kyle Lowry won’t be a part of the 2020 free agent class after all. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports that Lowry received a one-year extension from the Raptors, which now keeps him under contract until the summer of 2021.

Lowry’s agent Mark Bartelstein confirmed on Monday that his client has a new deal in place. The extension is reportedly worth $33 million.

Talkin to ESPN, Bartelstein was especially appreciative of Raptors’ president Masai Ujiri and general manager Bobby Webster’s willingness to get the deal done.

“We are so appreciative of how Masai and Bobby handled every aspect of this negotiation,” – said Bartelstein. “Once again, they displayed how they look after their players in a first-class manner, especially someone like Kyle who they recognize has such a legacy with the franchise.”

Kyle Lowry’s representatives and Raptors’ front office have been working on the extension for several months now. Both sides wanted to get the deal done before the start of the season, and ensure that the 33-year old All Star remains with the organization which he helped won their first NBA title last season.

Lowry joined the Raptors from Houston Rockets in 2012. He managed to establish himself as one of the team’s key players since then, and has been Toronto’s leader on and off the court. During his time with the organization, he managed to make five All-Star appearances.

Lowry averaged 14.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 8.7 assists per game past season. He added 15.0 points, 4.9 rebounds and 6.6 assists in the postseason.

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It’s the same old story: another basketball player drops out of Team USA’s roster for FIBA World Cup. But this time, it was a player that actually wanted to play on the tournament.

Toronto Raptors’ point guard Kyle Lowry announced on Instagram on Monday that he is forced to drop out of the team due to a thumb injury. According to Lowry, he wasn’t cleared by the medical staff to take part in the competition.

Lowry was dealing with thumb issues since the playoffs and had to undergo surgery last month to fix the injury. He hoped he will be able to recover in time for the World Cup, but realized that he will have to spend additional time rehabilitating after meeting with his surgeon. 

“I was hoping to be available in time to help my country in their quest for gold in this upcoming tournament,” – said Lowry in a statement. “I love playing for USAB, but I have to sit this one out and support the team from home.”

With Lowry out and Sacramento Kings’ Marvin Bagley deciding to pull his name out of the consideration, there are now 15 players left competing for the final 12 spots on the roster.

Team USA’s head coach Gregg Popovich will announce the final roster for FIBA World Cup 2019 on August 17th.

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Toronto Raptors find themselves in a strange situation this offseason. Although they are reigning NBA champions, Raptors are poised to head down the rebuilding path after their best player Kawhi Leonard decided to leave in the free agency and join the LA Clippers. 

Raptors currently have several veteran players on their roster – mainly Kyle Lowry, Marc Gasol, and Serge Ibaka – that can help them remain competitive and fight for the playoffs. But as all three are on expiring contract, the team was expected to move them and get some assets in return. However, Toronto won’t do this just yet.

TSN’s Josh Lewenberg recently reporter that Raptors “have no intentions” of moving their veteran players and will see if the group manages to remain competitive in the new NBA landscape.

“As for veterans Kyle Lowry, Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka – who are all on expiring deals – the Raptors have no intention of moving them, at least not before the season, according to sources,” – writes Lewenberg. “Like he did with previous Raptors teams, team president Masai Ujiri will give this group an opportunity to sink or swim before choosing a path and deciding what comes next.”

One of the reasons why the Toronto Raptors might keep Lowry, Gasol, and Ibaka, is to give their fans a reason to come to arena on game nights. This group, combined with young stars like Pascal Siakam has potential to maybe even reach the second round in the playoffs and give the city of Toronto a bit more basketball excitement. Also, it would not be a good image for the Raptors if they end up in the lottery just one year after lifting the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy.

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