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Toronto Raptors: 3 dark horse suitors in a Kyle Lowry sign-and-trade

By Jack Long

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 11: RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks in action against Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors during a game at Madison Square Garden on April 11, 2021 in New York City. The Knicks defeated the Raptors 102-96. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 11: RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks in action against Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors during a game at Madison Square Garden on April 11, 2021 in New York City. The Knicks defeated the Raptors 102-96. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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When Masai Ujiri didn’t deal Kyle Lowry at the NBA Trade Deadline, there were certainly a few eyebrows raised. The Toronto Raptors were slumping hard and were on the outside looking in from a playoff perspective. Ujiri stood his ground though and wasn’t willing to accept anything less than what he thought was equal value for the GROAT.

Looking back now, it seems like an even more questionable move as the Raptors’ playoff hopes are looking like nothing but a pipe dream and Lowry has missed the majority of the contests with nagging injuries. If this is truly it for Lowry with the Raptors it has been a mighty depressing curtain call.

Lowry could still give one last farewell gift to the Toronto Raptors organization in the form of a sign-and-trade this offseason. Immediately after Ujiri held onto Lowry post-deadline, the rumors began swirling of a sign-and-trade being a likely scenario this summer.

The Philadelphia 76ers have maintained an interest in such a scenario and Jimmy Butler has hinted that he would still love to see his old friend in Miami next season. The Los Angeles Lakers have to be considering it after the clinic Lowry put on against them last weekend.

Philadelphia, Miami and Los Angeles have been the teams with the most interest in Kyle Lowry since leading up to the NBA Trade Deadline, but this summer could bring a ton more suitors. Here are 3 dark horse teams who could easily be in the mix this offseason.

These 3 teams could trade for Toronto Raptors star Kyle Lowry

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – MAY 03: RJ Barrett #9, Julius Randle #30 and Derrick Rose #4 of the New York Knicks (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – MAY 03: RJ Barrett #9, Julius Randle #30 and Derrick Rose #4 of the New York Knicks (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) /

3. New York Knicks

NYC stand up! The dumpster fire that has been the New York Knicks organization for the past decade has finally been put out and there is now more than hope in MSG. A rejuvenated Knicks squad has finally turned their combination of high draft picks and journeymen veterans into a competitive squad under coach Tom Thibodeau.

Thibodeau has brought his defensive mindset to the Big Apple and turned this group into a competitive team in the Eastern Conference, but the new-look Knicks could be in the market for the Toronto Raptors veteran guard.

The Knicks could add a new starter in Kyle Lowry.

The Knicks may not be ready to make a Finals run this postseason, but they are only a few pieces away. One of those pieces could be a star veteran point guard to form a dynamic duo backcourt with young Canadian R.J. Barrett. With plenty of draft capital, the Knicks could put together a very enticing package for Lowry.

Kyle Lowry was almost shipped off to New York before, and he may be more than willing to join perhaps the most beloved organization in basketball for a run towards the Larry O’Brien. Toronto could get a haul in return for him as well.