The Toronto Raptors apparently can’t escape trade rumors after the trade deadline, as the possibility a Kyle Lowry sign-and-trade is apparently starting to materialize. Lowry is an impending free agent, and teams like the Philadelphia 76ers might be able to rope him in with this maneuver.
Sam Amick of The Athletic is reporting that Lowry, a Philadelphia native and Villanova alum that would love a few more cracks at a championship, could head to the Sixers via sign-and-trade in the offseason. A starting lineup featuring Lowry, Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid, and Tobias Harris could challenge the Brooklyn Nets for the top seed in the Eastern Conference.
Not only would this move help Toronto move a franchise legend to both a contender and a team of his choosing, but it could help the Raptors’ efforts to replace him by getting a young player in return. Considering what he’s meant to this franchise, getting something upon his departure would be better than letting him walk for nothing.
The 76ers have plenty of their stars already locked in for the future, meaning that it could be a bit more difficult for Toronto to get someone of value in return. If they are insistent on it, however, a player like Tyrese Maxey might end up in Toronto while Lowry starts plying his trade in his hometown.
The Sixers are planning to pursue a Kyle Lowry sign-and-trade this offseason, per Sam Amick, so I broke down the cap machinations that could make it possible.
— Sam Quinn (@SamQuinnCBS) April 29, 2021
It would be tricky, but there are (very costly) ways to fit him under the hard cap.https://t.co/5gYx8BUSXp
The Toronto Raptors should get Tyrese Maxey in a Kyle Lowry sign-and-trade.
Lowry is making $30 million this season, but there is a minimal chance that he makes that on the free agency market this season. This could help facilitate a trade to the destination he wants, as his prospective destination will not have to give up as much in return.
Maxey is the prize that the Raptors should try to get in exchange for Lowry, as the former first-round pick has found playing time hard to come by of late. Still, he has averaged 7.5 points per game on 46% shooting this season, and there is hope that Toronto can put him on a path to stardom, especially after seeing how much better Khem Birch has been with the Raptors.
The Toronto Raptors could make Maxey their preferred sixth man off of the bench, while potentially netting even more assets in return. Philly re-signing Mike Scott or Danny Green to ship them to Toronto remains in play, as is sending away draft capital for a team that won’t be interested in using all of those picks.
Lowry playing in red, white, and blue might be tough to swallow for Raptors fans, but it might be the only way to ensure Lowry ends up with a contender while getting a quality player in return.