Raptors rumors: Kyle Lowry reportedly lists Toronto house on sale

Kyle Lowry has emerged as one of the greatest players in the brief history of the Toronto Raptors, if not the outright greatest. A steady hand at point guard for the last decade that helped bring Canada their first NBA championship, Lowry might be in the middle of his final season wearing Raptors colors.

Lowry, who is averaging 17.0 points and 6.7 assists per game this season, has been the subject of almost ceaseless trade rumors, as he could be used to either net the Raptors an upgrade in the frontcourt or acquire a boatload of picks as Masai Ujiri builds for the future. As hard as this may be to hear, Raptors fans might need to prepare for his departure.

Sports Illustrated’s Aaron Rose is reporting that Lowry, who has played the last nine seasons of his career with the Raptors, has put his house on the market. With Lowry a free agent at the end of this season, this is just another sign that Lowry is potentially playing his final season with Toronto in 2020-21.

Is Kyle Lowry on his way out?

Lowry is still a productive player, and the Raptors have won nine of their last 14 games after a slow start, but this team is a long way away from contending, and trading him could kick-start a rebuild. Bleacher Report mentioned the Miami Heat as a potential landing spot, though a trade to a team like the Denver Nuggets or his hometown Philadelphia 76ers could also be in his future.

Lowry is not like most players his age, as he is still playing at a very high level on both ends of the floor, meaning that a trade has to net Toronto a very enticing package of players and picks. Ujiri might have to work harder to consummate a deal, however, as those interested in reading the tea leaves might assert that Lowry is thinking about leaving the Raptors behind.

Lowry will never have to pay for a drink north of the border ever again, as his exploits in helping the Raptors end the Golden State Warriors dynasty has only cemented his place in Canadian sports lore. If the Raptors aren’t going to contend, why not send him somewhere that could help him pick up ring No. 2?

Letting the legendary Kyle Lowry go in a trade might be better than seeing him walk out the door for nothing in free agency. Doing so could next a pretty package of picks, allow Fred VanVleet to move over to point guard full-time, and set the Raptors up nicely for life after Lowry rather than scrambling for a potential replacement.