Toronto Raptors keep Kyle Lowry following flurry of trade rumours
Posted March 25, 2021 3:21 pm.
Last Updated March 25, 2021 8:21 pm.
The greatest player in Toronto Raptors history is staying around a little while longer.
Point guard Kyle Lowry will remain with the team for the rest of the season, a source tells ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
In the end, Masai Ujiri didn't find a package that compelled him to trade Kyle Lowry — and Lowry had always been fine with completing the season with the Raptors, sources tell ESPN. Now, Lowry can head to free agency in the summer. https://t.co/JOoY9WMKNf
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 25, 2021
Lowry, who turned 35 years old on Thursday, was the subject of several trade rumours leading up to, and on trade deadline day.
There were multiple reports that the Raptors were in deep negotiations with the Philadelphia 76ers, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers – three teams that expressed a strong interest in acquiring Lowry.
Wojnarowski says that team President Masai Ujiri and the Raptors front office couldn’t find a trade package they deemed acceptable for their long-time star.
He reports that Lowry remained open to staying with the team for the rest of the season as the six-time All-Star and his crew look to gain ground in the NBA’s Eastern Conference, where they currently sit in 11th place.
Lowry, who will earn $30 million this season, is in the final year of his contract and will become a free agent this summer.
He’s averaged 17.4 points, along with 5.6 rebounds and 7.4 assists per game.
Lowry ranks first in a number of Raptors all-time statistics, including assists, triple-doubles, and three-pointers made. He’s second behind friend and former Raptors guard Demar DeRozan in games played, points, and minutes played.
Toronto did make separate deals on Thursday, sending Norman Powell to Portland for Gary Trent Jr. and Rodney Hood.
The Raptors also sent Matt Thomas and Terrence Davis to the Utah Jazz and Sacramento Kings for future second-round picks.
They enter Thursday’s game with an 18-26 record after snapping a nine-game losing streak.
