The Toronto Raptors might end up as buyers at the 2021 Trade Deadline, but they might decide to trade away one of the greatest players in franchise history in point guard Kyle Lowry. Given how well they’ve played without him in spurts and his impending free agency, a trade to a contender like the Philadelphia 76ers isn’t off the table just yet.
The 76ers are currently the top seed in the East thanks to a core of Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, and Tobias Harris, but they will all but assuredly add someone at the trade deadline, as they could use more shooting. The Raptors trading Lowry to a division rival sounds crazy, but geography might help this deal get done.
Lowry was born and raised in Philadelphia and became a star at Villanova. After nearly a decade of playing north of the border and even playing the entire season on the road in 2020-21, Lowry might be in the mood for a return to his old stomping ground.
Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer believes that Lowry is keen on the idea of potentially going home to Philadelphia, saying that a source close to Lowry said he “would like to be” a 76er if he gets traded. Pompey also mentioned the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Clippers as potential landing spots for Lowry.
Could Kyle Lowry come home to Philadelphia? @PompeyOnSixers says Lowry would be a good fit for the Sixers, but the Toronto Raptors could ask for a lot to trade the six-time All-Star. https://t.co/ilElotZwYp
— The Philadelphia Inquirer (@PhillyInquirer) February 25, 2021
Raptors star Kyle Lowry would be a huge boost for the 76ers
Lowry is averaging 17.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game. In Philly, his brand of veteran leadership, incisive passing, and clutch scoring from the perimeter should fit in nicely with what Doc Rivers wants to do. Lowry could allow Simmons to operate with more freedom on the offensive end.
The 76ers might not have a ton of ready-made assets that they can give to Toronto, as most of their money is tied up in Embiid, Simmons, and Harris, but the Raptors could be able to snag tons of draft capital. For a soon-to-be 35-year-old point guard who could leave in free agency, that could be a solid haul for the Raptors.
While Daryl Morey has proven he can construct championship teams in his sleep, and he and Lowry have a bit of a history together, it was Morey who traded Lowry when he was in Houston. If Lowry can put that potential beef to the side, Philly and Toronto might be able to get a deal hammered out.
While Pompey believes that Lowry’s best chance to win a championship is with the Clippers, the skills Lowry, who just listed his Toronto house, could bring to the 76ers would only enhance their reputation as contenders. As painful as it could be to see the great Kyle Lowry as a 76er, Raptors fans might need to stomach it if it means that they can get some pieces for the future.