Toronto Raptors legend Kyle Lowry was the subject of many trade rumors right before the deadline. Right up until the clock struck midnight on Deadline Day, there was anticipation that the six-time All-Star would be moved, and there were plenty of suitors lined up.
The teams that were narrowed down until the last moments were the Philadelphia 76ers and the Miami Heat. It doesn’t take a basketball savant to see where Lowry, still a quality starter at this stage of his career, can help this team climb up the Eastern Conference standings.
Heat star Jimmy Butler showed that he has a ton of respect for Lowry as a player and as a man, which could help make Miami a destination for him if he leaves the Raptors. Butler even hinted that Lowry might be in a Heat uniform next season.
In a recent podcast by the Artist and the Athlete, host Lindsay Czarniak asked Butler who he felt his favorite person was to go up against. The Heat star mentioned Lowry and spoke about his connection with him that stems even outside of the basketball court. Butler says that the Raptors point guard is one of “my absolute best friends, he’s the godfather of my daughter.”
Heat’s Jimmy Butler has another NBA godfather in his life, reveals relationship with Raptors’ Kyle Lowry. https://t.co/GOEl8Rxbhc
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) April 28, 2021
Although the relationship goes beyond the hardwood, Butler makes mention of how competitive they are. Perhaps what was more telling is the fact that Butler says he would “say something else,” but he doesn’t want the NBA to come down on him for tampering.
Czarniak then suggests that Lowry might need some “sunshine,” to which Butler responds with, “you said it, I didn’t say that.”
Could Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry go play with Jimmy Butler?
There is no question that Butler and Lowry would be a great fit together in Miami. Their style of play is similar in that they are gritty and willing to put it all out there to win. Also, the Heat could use another savvy veteran to help push the team forward.
The Heat have Goran Dragic at the point guard position right now, but they would easily move off of him if it meant they could secure Lowry. With Butler playing on the wing this season, the backcourt has been a source of inconsistency.
With Lowry running point, a potentially resurrected Tyler Herro at shooting guard, and the Butler-Bam Adebayo tandem back in the starting lineup, Miami could easily compete for a conference championship.
Lowry is set to be an unrestricted free agent this summer, and though he is leaving this offseason is gaining more steam. There was actually a thought that he would have been moved earlier this season at the trade deadline. With the freedom to go where he pleases, Miami makes a ton of sense.
Lowry potentially ending his tenure in Toronto is something Raptors fans need to cope with and accept. The hope is that he stays in Toronto and can drive through the crammed Gardiner to get to games.
However, if he decides to leave for the more alluring sunshine that is in Miami, he remains one of, if not the, best Raptors of all time. The least that Toronto Raptors fans can do is hope he goes to a contender.