Raptors rumors: Pelicans open up space for Kyle Lowry after huge trade

Most of the Toronto Raptors rumors that have sprouted up over the last few weeks have pertained to star point guard Kyle Lowry, as the future Hall of Famer could be contemplating leaving Canada after spending nearly a decade with Toronto.

While teams like the Lakers, Heat, and 76ers have been linked to Lowry given their interest at the trade deadline, the New Orleans Pelicans have decided to join the mix, as they are looking for a third star that can compete next to sensational power forward Zion Williamson and star wing Brandon Ingram.

The Pelicans faced a few obstacles when it comes to attracting Lowry, chief among them two unsightly contracts in Steven Adams and Eric Bledsoe to go along with a team that wasn’t ready to compete in the Western Conference. However, with a partial assist from former Raptors stud Jonas Valanciunas, New Orleans has the ability to make a run at Lowry.

The Pelicans acquired Valanciunas, in addition to the No. 17 and No. 51 picks in the 2021 NBA Draft, from the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for Adams, Bledsoe, and the No. 10 and No. 40 picks in the draft. The Pelicans have tons of free cap space if they want to make a play for Lowry.

Toronto Raptors rumors: Will Kyle Lowry join the Pelicans?

The Pelicans do have Lonzo Ball in restricted free agency, but all indications seem to suggest that they are unlikely to match any sort of large offer sheet. Lowry’s 17.2 points and 7.3 assists per game last year prove that he is still a far superior player at this point in his career.

The Raptors could’ve potentially tried to take on either the Bledsoe or Adams contract in a sign-and-trade that would’ve sent Lowry to New Orleans, but Memphis beat them to the punch, and in doing so created a very viable contender for Lowry’s services.

Lowry would not join a team with two of the strongest, most efficient players in the league in Valanciunas and Williamson in the frontcourt to go along with Ingram in the backcourt. Nickeil Alexander-Walker may start as a result of this. That team might be good enough to compete for a playoff spot in the West.

Even with all of this wheeling and dealing, Lowry would have a better chance to win a title in Los Angeles, Miami, or Philadelphia. A Toronto reunion is not out of the cards just yet. Still, the Pelicans have signaled that they want someone like Lowry badly, and that could convince him to take the plunge.