Could Kyle Lowry become the top target ahead of this year’s NBA trade deadline?
Multiple teams are reportedly interested in the Raptors star, who is averaging 18.0 points, 6.5 assists, 5.5 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game this season while shooting 46.1 percent from the field and 39.5 percent on 3-pointers. He would be a strong addition for any contender in need of a point guard.
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If the Raptors and Lowry do decide it is best to part ways before the March 25 deadline, Toronto is willing to trade him to a “preferred destination if they get something of value in return,” according to The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Keith Pompey. So where would Lowry like to go?
The 76ers, Clippers and Heat are all possible landing spots, per Pompey, but one team from that group stands out:
A source said Lowry would like to be in Philly. The source believes the Sixers and Raptors might be able to get something done. But if it comes to that, then Toronto would most likely want some picks, young players and veterans with expiring contracts for Lowry, who’s making $30 million this season.
To be clear, a trade involving Lowry is far from guaranteed. The Raptors struggled to start the season, losing eight of their first 10 games, but they bounced back and have jumped all the way up to fifth in the Eastern Conference standings. Lowry could inform Toronto’s front office he is happy to play out the rest of the campaign and become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
However, if Lowry wants to chase a title elsewhere, the Sixers make a lot of sense. Lowry, a Philly native who played two seasons at Villanova, could bring not only strong numbers to the roster but also terrific leadership and toughness. Lowry could be a great fit for the Clippers, too. His previous experience operating alongside Kawhi Leonard and Serge Ibaka would certainly make the transition easier.
It’s unclear whether Lowry wants to leave Toronto, but if he does hit the trade block, then don’t be surprised if there is a bidding war for his services.