Conflicting reports have been sprouting up like weeds over the last few weeks regarding Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry. On one hand, Lowry could help Toronto push for the playoffs. On the other teams like the Miami Heat could help Toronto build for the post-Lowry era thanks to a trade.
Lowry is averaging 17.6 points 5.6 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game this season despite the fact he will turn 35 in a few days. A free agent at the end of this season, it’s not unreasonable to see why the trade rumors just won’t subside, especially after Toronto has won just one of their last 10 games.
The Heat, always in the market for stars, would love a tertiary scorer like Lowry that could lead the backcourt alongside Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo in the frontcourt. According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, that reality is coming closer to being realized, despite the fact reports earlier in the week hinted Lowry might not get traded.
During a SportsCenter appearance on Sunday, Windhorst reported that the Heat “covet” Lowry at the deadline before also hinting that Miami is considering adding LaMarcus Aldridge if he gets bought out. Windhorst also reported that Norman Powell might be on the move.
https://twitter.com/LowryTime/status/1373660998792572928
Could the Toronto Raptors trade Kyle Lowry to the Heat?
Miami does not have a ton of draft picks that they could swing to Toronto in exchange for Lowry, so a trade means that one of the Heat’s young role players is coming up north, or a third team will need to get involved to give Toronto adequate compensation for one of the best players in franchise history. Veteran Goran Dragic could also be on the move.
While bad luck and some unlucky bounces have certainly played a factor in this slide, Toronto is currently not even in the playoff picture, and it might be better to allow Lowry to chase a ring while setting themselves up nicely for his inevitable departure.
The Raptors could trade up to 40 points of nightly production in both Powell, who could head to one of several contenders after his insane hot streak of late, and Lowry, but doing so could help Ujiri recoup some of the draft capital he has traded away in recent seasons.
Lowry’s availability is still up in the air, and the Raptors might not even be interested in doing a deal. Still, Pat Riley and Miami will not be daunted by that, and they will try everything in their power to pry Lowry away from Toronto.