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.
The #Sixers plan to pursue Kyle Lowry via sign-and-trade this offseason, per @sam_amick and @johnhollinger.
— Kevin McCormick (@KevinMcCNBA) April 28, 2021
These 3 teams could trade for Toronto Raptors star Kyle Lowry
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.
2. Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets have been a powerhouse in the Western Conference for the past few seasons and went all-in at the NBA Trade Deadline, only to be devastated by Jamal Murray’s season-ending ACL tear. Saying that, the Nuggets are still rolling with their combination of young talent and new faces.
The Western Conference is no cakewalk though and Murray’s injury could prove to be the dagger in any series against other conference powerhouses if he doesn’t return to full strength. Lowry could alleviate that issue.
Denver needs a star like Kyle Lowry next to Jamal Murray.
This offseason, the Nuggets may come looking for a veteran point guard who can fill in for however long Murray is out and then can eventually form a star backcourt with the young Canadian. A fully healthy Denver team truly has one of the most talented rosters in the league and are poised to make a finals run in the coming seasons.
The Nuggets’ consistent success and the plethora of young talent seem a key veteran away from being a Larry O’Brien favorite. Lowry could see the Nuggets as one of his best chances to win right now while not taking the ‘easy way out’ by joining a superteam LA Lakers squad. Murray and Lowry alongside Nikola Jokic.
1. Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks have been a decent team for the last couple of seasons, but need some reinforcements to be a great team in the difficult Western Conference. The playoffs will be a serious test for a thin Mavericks team.
Owner Mark Cuban isn’t one to be content with mediocrity and an early playoff exit could be the signal he needs to go after another key piece. Luka Doncic is jaw-dropping, but Kristaps Porzingis and a bunch of flotsam will not be enough to get them over the hump.
Dallas could pair their generational talent with the Toronto Raptors veteran.
Doncic is a generational talent, but Dallas has failed to surround him with any notable names other than the big man in Porzingis. If the Mavericks want to get the most out of Doncic in his prime years, they will have to make some moves to bring in more contributing talent. Luka is a player who can win games by himself, but not night after night.
Lowry could jump at the chance to play with a generational player like Doncic, and Doncic could surely benefit from the guidance Lowry could give him. We’ve seen examples with the Toronto Raptors – Kyle is a great mentor.
The Toronto Raptors should explore all options this offseason in a potential Kyle Lowry sign-and-trade.
Since being seen as available, the front runners in the Kyle Lowry sweepstakes have been the 76ers, Heat and Lakers. If Masai Ujiri decides to go the sign-and-trade route this offseason with the veteran guard though, he should explore all options including the three franchises listed above.
More than just consistent play and veteran savvy, Lowry has intangibles that are worth just as much as his play on the court. Veteran stalwarts or young contending organizations should all be able to see the value in the GROAT.