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Toronto Raptors: Yea or nay on 3 intriguing trade and free agency rumors

By Mike Luciano

TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 18: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) 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.
TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 18: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) 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. /
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Kyle Lowry, Toronto Raptors
TAMPA, FLORIDA – APRIL 21: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors handles the ball during the second quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Amalie Arena on April 21, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. 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 Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /

2. A Kyle Lowry sign-and-trade to Dallas?

The Athletic is trying to pin down where Lowry could end up if he decides that his time with the Raptors is over, and the Mavericks were mentioned as a potential landing spot. One sign-and-trade hypothetical that was tossed out was guard Josh Richardson coming back to Toronto, while Lowry becomes Luka Doncic’s backcourt running mate.

Raptors fans might scream when they see that Richardson’s scoring declined from his standout final year in Miami. However, he lost some shots in a 76ers team that had more than enough offensive talent to suck shot attempts away, and he fell into an almost identical situation in Dallas.

Could the Raptors get Josh Richardson in a Kyle Lowry deal?

Richardson could be an ideal swingman alongside Gary Trent Jr. as either a reserve or starter in smaller lineups. With Fred VanVleet moving to point guard in this scenario, the Raptors could replace some of Lowry’s offensive production, which is much better than letting him go to an Atlantic rival for nothing.

This deal all hinges on Lowry’s personal preference. If he wants to come back to Toronto, the Raptors need to welcome him with open arms. If he has his heart set on leaving, the Raptors might just need to send him somewhere that can both give Lowry a chance to compete for a championship and help the Raptors prepare for the post-Lowry era.

Vote: Yay, if Lowry has made up his mind to leave