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Toronto Raptors: The case for and against trading Kyle Lowry

By Mark Birdsell

TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 22: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors warms up prior to their NBA game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Scotiabank Arena on January 22, 2020 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 22: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors warms up prior to their NBA game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Scotiabank Arena on January 22, 2020 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Raptors
Toronto Raptors (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) /

With the NBA on hiatus, it’s time to take a look at some key questions for the offseason. At the top of the list, what should the Toronto Raptors do with Kyle Lowry?

Entering last season, one of the most interesting questions was what are the Toronto Raptors going to do with Kyle Lowry? Lowry was entering the final season of a three-year, $100 million contract. Several observers were calling for Masai Ujiri to trade Lowry, along with Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka to jump-start a rebuild.

It is no secret that the Raptors plan to make a run at Giannis Antetokounmpo in the summer of 2021. As a result, the team’s front office has been focused on preserving cap space. The only guaranteed contracts on the books for the 2021-22 season are Pascal Siakam and Norman Powell (player option).

With that in mind, Ujiri decided the best move was to sign Lowry to a one-year, $31 million contract extension. The move was done for several reasons.

First of all, Lowry is a six-time All-Star and arguably the greatest Raptor of all time. He was the heart and soul of last year’s championship team. Inking Lowry to an extension would keep the franchise icon around for at least one more season.

Second, Fred VanVleet is about to become a free agent. Re-signing him will obviously be a priority for the Raptors. But there will be at least a few teams in need a point guard this summer. VanVleet will be one of the top names available. Keeping Lowry provides the team with insurance in case VanVleet were to leave.

Another reason was that without the extension, the Raptors would have been left dealing with an unhappy star. Michael Grange of Sportsnet reported that before coming to terms on the new deal Lowry was prepared to force a trade instead of reporting for training.

Finally, the particulars of the extension allowed the Raptors to maintain flexibility moving forward. Lowry’s contract is up after next season, thereby preserving cap space for the summer of 2021. The deal also made Lowry more tradeable should management decide to explore that avenue.

Now Ujiri and Bobby Webster find themselves in a similar situation. They must decide is it better to keep Lowry for next season and make another deep playoff run or should the team look to move him to acquire assets for the future.

There is no doubt that talk of trading Lowry would be a public relations disaster. Lowry is Mr. Raptor. He is second only to DeMar DeRozan in both games and minutes played. Lowry is third in total points scored. He is the franchise leader for assists and steals.

The narrative surrounding Lowry has changed from uncoachable to a savvy veteran. Yes, Lowry has a strong personality and isn’t afraid to speak his mind. But Lowry has rehabbed his image and is respected around the league.

Lowry is a proven winner. One that is capable of playing on or off the ball. If he were available, Lowry would have any number of suitors. Teams like the Lakers, Clippers, 76ers, Heat or Nuggets would jump at the opportunity to add Lowry. He could be the missing piece needed to get one of those teams over the hump.

Lowry’s no. 7 jersey should be hanging in the rafters when it is all said and done. It didn’t make sense to trade him last summer. But that might not be true this offseason. As such, let’s take a look at the case for and against trading Kyle Lowry.

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