Ranking the trade value of each player on the Toronto Raptors

Kyle Lowry

An aging 32-year-old point guard making $33 million next season, it’s easy to find negatives against Kyle Lowry. Yes, he’s overpaid. Yes, he can only keep this up for so long. Still, let’s not over think this. Kyle Lowry is the second best player on the Toronto Raptors, and even if other elements are working against him, his on-court value is enough to keep him high on this list.

After a scorching-hot start, Lowry’s statistics have taken a bit of a hit this season. He’s averaging the fewest points per game since his first year in Toronto and has an EFG% of 50.6-percent, below league average. One reason for the dip in scoring output and scoring efficiency, a three-point percentage of just 31-percent.

But the advanced stats love him, he’s assisting more than ever, and despite physical limitations, is still a plus-defender. Toronto is scoring 8.9 more points and allowing  3.9 fewer points whenever Lowry is on the floor. Even when Lowry isn’t putting up numbers, he’s impacting the game.

Like Ibaka, Lowry’s contract is larger than it is burdensome. Next season he will be an expiring contract. Taking on Lowry’s 1.5-year deal isn’t the same as taking on Chris Paul or even Mike Conley’s contract.

Finding a team who NEEDS a point guard is difficult. Finding one who could use a Kyle Lowry isn’t as hard. If Lowry became available, expect a few teams like Indiana, Utah, or New Orleans to put in a call.