Raptors Rapture
Fansided

The Raptors should re-sign and keep Kyle Lowry this off-season

By Nam Tran

Feb 26, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) reacts from the bench during the fourth quarter in a game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Air Canada Centre. The Toronto Raptors won 112-106. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) reacts from the bench during the fourth quarter in a game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Air Canada Centre. The Toronto Raptors won 112-106. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Kyle Lowry has already made clear his intent to opt out of his contract and become a free agent. Should the Raptors bring him back?

Sportsnet recently released an article listing 9 reasons why the Toronto Raptors should sign-and-trade Kyle Lowry this offseason. Some of their arguments make sense, such as the team not needing an All-Star point guard to win. Regardless, I think the Raptors would be a better team if they re-signed and kept Lowry, but for the right price. If they are able to get him back for around $17,000,000 (the Miami Heat’s Goran Dragic’s 2017-18 salary) to $18,000,000 (the Washington Wizards’ John Wall’s 2017-18  salary) or less per year, this would be perfect for them (FYI, he is being paid $12M this season).

So, here are 3 reasons why the Toronto Raptors should try to re-sign and keep Lowry:

1) Lowry is in his prime

Lowry just turned 31-years-old a few days ago and was playing the best basketball of his career, at least offensively, before he got hurt. Prior to him getting wrist surgery and having to sit out the rest of the regular season, he was averaging a career-high in points (22.8 points per game) and three-pointers made (3.3 three-pointers made per 7.9 attempts for 41.7 percent). His True Shooting Percentage (62.4 percent) and Effective Field Goal Percentage (57.0 percent) are also up from previous seasons. His improvement on offense will be beneficial for the Raptors, whose scoring is inconsistent without him.

2) He knows the Raptors’ system and has chemistry with the players

Lowry has been with the Raptors for 5 years and knows Coach Dwane Casey’s system well. More importantly, Lowry has great chemistry with the team. He and DeMar DeRozan, who, as Raptors, have been selected to play on the same All-Star team twice, are one of the best backcourt combos in the league. They average a combined 49.9 points per game and 10.1 rebounds per game.

Feb 17, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; Toronto Raptors guards DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry watch during the Rising Stars Challenge at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 17, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; Toronto Raptors guards DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry watch during the Rising Stars Challenge at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

This duo revived the organization as they led the Raptors back to the playoffs in 2013-14 after a 5 year drought, and took them to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time last season. Prior to that, the furthest the Raptors got in the playoffs was the second round (and this happened back when the team had Vince Carter, Dell Curry, Antonio Davis, and Charles Oakley on the roster).

3) Lowry is a fan favourite

Raptors’ fans like Lowry and always vote for him to be an All-Star (which he was 3 times in a row). He is an intense player who always plays with heart and hustle on the court. Lowry also does a lot of work off-court, and his community work (ex. Treating 26 Toronto kids to an all-expense-paid shopping spree at Toys R’ Us last Christmas) does not go unnoticed by fans.

I say “Yes” – what say you?

Lowry, a likable player who is in the early stages of his prime, possesses chemistry with his mates and knows the team’s system well. Consequently, I think the Raptors should try to retain him. But what do you think Raptors Rapture nation? Should the organization keep Lowry or let him go? Share your thoughts below in the comments’ section.

Home/Raptors News