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Toronto Raptors: 3 trade proposals that help both Kyle Lowry and Raptors

By Jason Mills

TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 23: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles during the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at Amalie Arena on December 23, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. 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 Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 23: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles during the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at Amalie Arena on December 23, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. 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 Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Raptors
Kyle Lowry (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /

The Toronto Raptors and Kyle Lowry were not always fated to be in a long-term relationship. The team’s heart and soul can be surly at the best of times, but he is extremely professional and takes every challenge in stride with a desire to get better.

It is why he is often the smallest player on the court but takes charges. If there is a loose ball, he’s often in the middle of the fray trying to recover it. He’s tough, he’s good, but he will soon be a 35-year-old point guard, and the Raptors have needs. He is a luxury.

All-time, Lowry is third in scoring as a Raptor with 10,019 points while standing first with assists (4,035),  steals (843), and three-pointers made (1,431). During Wednesday night’s loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, Lowry became the third player to hit the milestone of 10,000 in a Raptors’ uniform, joining DeMar DeRozan and Chris Bosh.

When Raptors’ management re-signed free agent Fred VanVleet to a four-year $85 million deal in November, they signaled a changing of the guard. Literally.

VanVleet himself stated in a podcast with JJ Redick called Old Man and the Three:

"“I’m 26, I’m only four years in but I feel like I’m on the verge of blossoming even more with more of a lead role and just taking more responsibility in my game, so all of those things factor into [my decision]”"

The Toronto Raptors might finally decide to trade Kyle Lowry in his age-35 season

If VanVleet and Raptors’ management believes that No. 23 is ready to lead this franchise, it means definitely that Lowry has no defined role anymore on this team.

It’s commendable all the roles that Lowry has played for this team, and in 14 games this season, he is averaging 17.8 points and 6.6 assists. He keeps aging like a fine wine based on his productivity, although he was just 2-11 Monday night against Indiana.

Several options could work out well if the Raptors are inclined to trade Lowry rather than wait for his contract to expire and claim the cap space his $30 million salaries would clear up.