The Toronto Raptors have started to string together some victories of late, but they are still on the outside looking in as far as the postseason is concerned. If the Raptors fail to re-enter the postseason picture, the Kyle Lowry trade rumors will start up once more, as Toronto could look to ditch the veteran point guard in favor of some younger players.
While Lowry is a free agent at the end of this season, he could be an invaluable asset for any contending team in need of some veteran stability in the backcourt. While Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray remain one of the most dynamic duos in the league, the Denver Nuggets could become a real threat in the West if they added a point guard like Lowry, whose name remains in the rumor mill, and moved Murray off-ball. If the Raptors can pull this deal off, Lowry could end up on a championship contender in Denver.
This Kyle Lowry trade could help the Toronto Raptors build for the future while making the Denver Nuggets a contender
Will Barton and/or Gary Harris could be moved in a Lowry trade, as Morris signing an extension this offseason could complicate trade talks. If Morris is unable to be moved, look for one of those two guards to be moved and Fred VanVleet to take over point guard duties.
Masai Ujiri, a guy who will always look to make big moves during or after the season, would be better off just trying to get Morris, who signed a three-year contract extension after exceeding expectations as a second-round pick.
The former Iowa State star comes off of the bench in Denver. However, he is averaging 11.8 points and 3.1 assists per game in 27 minutes while shooting 52 percent from the field and 37 percent from three.
A speedy firecracker with very good court vision and the ability to create his own shot, Morris could be a starter in Toronto for years to come.
Monte Morris drives in for another layup, he's having good success getting to the basket and finishing there in this game.#Nuggets #MileHighBasketball pic.twitter.com/opOyfBqRN8
— Joel Rush (@JoelRushNBA) January 23, 2021
Trading Lowry to Denver prevents any Eastern Conference rivals from getting their hands on him, all the while guaranteeing Toronto some valuable draft picks as they navigate the post-Lowry landscape. Lowry himself will head to a Denver team that has been a consistent winner out West, even though they have hit a wall in the postseason. With Lowry’s veteran savvy joining Murray’s scintillating shooting and Jokic’s MVP-level play, Denver could end up with a chance to make a title run.
As painful as it might be to cut Lowry loose, this could be the best way to get Ujiri some draft capital and help the Raptors in 2021 and beyond. Meanwhile, Lowry would get a chance to chase another championship alongside Jokic and Murray in Denver.