Raptors: Kyle Lowry tries to shut down trade rumors on Instagram

The Toronto Raptors are in a very unique position at this trade deadline, as they could potentially look to improve their roster by trading players and picks to acquire a star while also potentially selling legendary point guard Kyle Lowry.

Lowry, who is averaging 18.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game this season, has been frequently hypothetically traded to the Philadelphia 76ers, as Lowry is a Philadelphia native that could have a better shot at the title this year in Philly.

Ryen Russillo fanned the trade rumor flames by claiming that Lowry himself has accepted the fact he will be dealt for some time. Lowry himself could’ve stayed silent, but he went on Instagram to offer a scathing rebuke of Russillo’s claims.

Lowry tried to shut down the rumors by posting an Instagram story hinting that Russillo’s quotes are “lies” from the media. This is as emphatic a denial as possible from Lowry, who still appears motivated to get the Raptors into the postseason.

Kyle Lowry might not be leaving the Raptors just yet

Lowry’s trade rumors have been based on the fact that he could leave Toronto at the end of the season anyway, a reality exacerbated by the fact he just sold his house in Toronto, and the potential desire to get him on a team that could compete for a second championship at this stage of his career.

While the Raptors are just below .500, they play six of their next seven games against teams that have losing records. Lowry has spent the last decade overcoming the odds with the Raptors, and this year might not be any different.

Lowry’s play might be able to net the Raptors some assets, but it’s not a foregone conclusion that he will get traded, as teams might shy away from giving up years of controllable assets for a 35-year-old point guard who could leave his new team in free agency anyway.

Lowry has never been afraid to say what is on his mind, so it makes sense to assume that he would be the first one to let everyone know about a potential trade. It would be incredibly unlike Lowry to simply stay silent on his future before slinking out into the night without much fanfare. Per the man himself, Russillo’s comments are a bunch of hot air, and he is a Raptor right now.