Apr 24, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) dribbles the ball as Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) defends in the fourth quarter in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 106-99, and lead the series 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
#4. July 11, 2012
Traded Gary Forbes and 2013 first-round pick to Houston Rockets for Kyle Lowry.
Another Bryan Colangelo trade which has worked out well for our team. Kyle’s dramatically improved play in the ’11-’12 season had produced much happiness for Rox fans, and they were dismayed with his departure. However, Kyle had gained a reputation as a coach-killer type; in particular, he was constantly battling Kevin McHale, who had finally had enough. If a coach and his starting point guard aren’t on the same page (or in this case, even reading the same book), the entire team is affected.
Kyle has admitted he was unhappy with being traded, and planned to bolt after his contract expired. However, he’s changed during his Toronto tenure. Perhaps fatherhood helped him, or clearly being The Man after Jose Calderon was moved in January of ’13. Maybe he belatedly decided that McHale, a superb power forward on the monster Celtics teams of the ’80s, might have had a clue after all. Whatever combination of factors it was, Kyle has toned down his arguing and settled in nicely, signing an extension last summer at reasonable money.
In the two full seasons that Kyle has been our starting point guard, the team has won 48, then 49, games. That works for me.
Next: The most one-sided deal ever?