Toronto Raptors: 3 nightmare scenarios that could ruin free agency

1. Kyle Lowry leaves in FA for nothing

Lowry has spent the better part of the last decade as the leader of the Raptors, cementing his status as one of the greatest players in franchise history, if not the undisputed greatest. However, his run in Toronto could come to an end this offseason.

Lowry, who has said that he is eyeing a multi-year deal that will compensate him well, may not necessarily match up with Toronto’s timeline, as they could use their high draft pick to reboot and get younger at the point guard position. If Lowry has his heart set on leaving, the Raptors need to at least make sure they get something in return.

The Raptors need to get something for Kyle Lowry.

The 76ers, who play in Lowry’s hometown of Philadelphia, could be an intriguing option from a schematic point of view. The fact they are chasing a championship next year and could offer a player like Ben Simmons in return doesn’t hurt either.

The Athletic’s John Hollinger mentioned the Heat, led by Lowry’s good friend in Jimmy Butler, as a potential sign-and-trade destination. In return, Hollinger thinks that a deal centered around 2020 first-rounder Precious Achiuwa could appeal to Toronto.

The Raptors need to make a run at retaining Lowry, but watching him go to a potential rival without Toronto getting anything in return would be a gut punch. At least if they can pull a sign-and-trade off, they can get some compensation for letting the future Hall of Famer leave.