Toronto Raptors: Ranking best free agent destinations for Kyle Lowry

The Toronto Raptors are still doing everything in their power to retain Kyle Lowry, as the franchise legend appears ready to test the free agent market after several playoff teams missed out on the opportunity to trade for him.

Lowry, who averaged 17.2 points and 7.3 assists per game this year, has already laid out what it would take to lure him in as a free agent, as whoever is trying to secure his signature needs to meet his financial demands, whatever they may be. At this point in his career, you can bet he’s angling for a chance at slipping a second ring on his fingers as well.

There are plenty of playoff teams that can use a player like Lowry, considering that his offensive efficiency, defensive hustle, and ability to set up his teammates with key passes have not diminished one bit with age. If a team can scrounge up the needed resources, Lowry could be on his way to Toronto.

Which spot would be the best for Lowry if he decides to leave? These rankings will be based on his fit on the team, his potential to earn a big contract in free agency, and the odds of Lowry winning another championship.

Which of these 4 destinations is best for Toronto Raptors star Kyle Lowry?

4. New York Knicks

The Knicks are already way ahead of schedule in their rebuild, as the emergence of Julius Randle and addition of Tom Thibodeau gave the Knicks a stifling identity on defense that they were able to use in order to beat the living daylights out opponents and make it to the postseason as the No. 4 seed.

If there was one area that was an eyesore for this team last year, it was the point guard position before Derrick Rose showed up. Elfrid Payton was a complete disaster, and Frank Ntilikina proved he was not worthy of a first-round pick. With more cap space than any other team, the Knicks will certainly be players for Lowry.

Kyle Lowry could give the Knicks some punch on offense.

However, Lowry might actually end up as the third option on offense. Randle, fresh off a Most Improved award, is not going to give up a ton of touches, and if RJ Barrett takes the leap that the Knicks expect him to make this season, he could end up getting more shots up than Lowry. That’s probably not what he’s looking for in his next team.

Lowry would probably be OK with deferring to superstars on a team with championship odds, but the Knicks will have to fight to even be the third-best team in their own division next year. Knicks fans may love the idea of adding Lowry, but there are better opportunities out there for him.

3. Miami Heat

The connections here look particularly strong, as Lowry and Heat star Jimmy Butler are such good friends that Lowry is the godfather of Butler’s daughter. That friendship alone could be enough to turn Lowry’s attention to Miami.

Lowry could form one heck of a big three with Butler and Bam Adebayo, giving them a star at the guard, forward, and center positions. With Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson potentially back to support as role players, the Heat might be able to swap out Goran Dragic for Lowry and make a run at the title.

Kyle Lowry could be a solid fit on the Heat.

One obstacle that could make Miami less desirable than some other spots is the potential presence of Victor Oladipo, who is also a free agent. If he is retained, his contract and role in the offense could make it hard for the former Raptors star to move to Miami, as he wouldn’t get as active a role in the offense, nor as enticing a financial reward.

The Heat must be comfortable with swapping out the younger, but injured, Oladipo for Lowry at the point guard spot, even if it means potentially turning a lottery pick in Herro into a role player. If they can mentally cross the Rubicon and realize that vision, Lowry might be on his way to join Butler in Miami.

2. Los Angeles Lakers

The story of how giving up Talen Horton-Tucker was apparently one step too far for the Lakers is out in the public consciousness, but that doesn’t mean that Lowry should discount the potential of joining the purple and gold. Toronto can offer him plenty, but the Lakers give him a tremendous chance at winning a championship.

Lowry would clearly be the third option on a team that can deploy LeBron James and Anthony Davis, but Lowry would probably accept that fate if he signs with LA. As long as he stays healthy and is an upgrade over Dennis Schroder, Los Angeles should rank among the favorites to come out of the West.

Kyle Lowry could be a nice fit on the Lakers.

One of two things could end up preventing this deal from coming to fruition. The Lakers are financially inflexible and still lacking depth in some key spots. Either they gut the roster further in order to afford Lowry, or they convince Lowry to take a deal below market value.

If Lowry ends up in Lakers’ colors, irrespective of how it happens, they could give him a chance to help out one of the strongest defensive teams in the league by offering his own unique blend of skills on that end. If his shooting stroke makes the trip with him to California, the Lakers could run away with the West.

1. Philadelphia 76ers

The 76ers’ lack of a point guard who can create offense for themselves was exposed in the postseason, as Ben Simmons completely shrunk and looked more like a player that was on the verge of being benched than a No. 1 overall pick who was supposed to provide stability and quality.

With or without Simmons, Philly could get someone in Lowry that could not only improve their play on the perimeter, but might also take away No. 2 scoring responsibilities away from Tobias Harris, who also struggled in that playoff series against the Hawks.

Kyle Lowry could take the 76ers to new heights.

Lowry was born and raised in Philadelphia and stayed local for college at Villanova. Even after breaking Philly’s back for years as a Raptor, Lowry would be embraced with open arms, especially if he ends up replacing Simmons. Perhaps a sign and trade with Toronto can get Simmons out of there, help Lowry get a new contract, and land him on the 76ers.

Doc Rivers need an experienced point guard that is equal parts distributor and defensive stalwart, and while Simmons checks those boxes, his lack of shooting has Rivers at breaking point. Lowry could be an ideal point guard for his system, and the homecoming story could be a solid way to potentially end his career.