The latest Toronto Raptors rumors have all centered around Kyle Lowry, as the Raptors’ directive to get younger and his own pursuit of a deal that will compensate him well for the next few years has hastened his departure from Canada. Due to his connection with Jimmy Butler, the Miami Heat have long been viewed as a potential destination.
The Heat have Butler and a standout big man in Bam Adebayo, but they need an experienced point guard with a Hall of Fame resume to take them over the hump, and that is where Lowry comes into the equation.
The Heat have been eyeing a sign-and-trade for Lowry, as their decision to pick up a $19 million player option on veteran point guard Goran Dragic was likely done with the intent of using Dragic in a trade that brings Lowry to South Beach. Adrian Wojnarowski is hinted that this deal might just come to fruition.
Wojnarowski claims that once NBA Free Agency opens, Miami is poised to acquire Lowry for a package built around Dragic and 2020 first-round pick Precious Achiuwa. The Raptors might end up with a quality young developmental prospect in exchange for one of the greatest players in franchise history, if not the best.
ESPN Sources: Once discussions are permitted to begin with the opening of NBA free agency on Monday, the Miami Heat are positioning themselves to become frontrunners to land Toronto's Kyle Lowry in a sign-and-trade agreement: https://t.co/hkJnpaAmYH
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 2, 2021
Toronto Raptors rumors: Will the Heat finally acquire Kyle Lowry?
Dragic averaged 13.4 points per game on 43% shooting last year, but it doesn’t make a ton of sense to keep him. With Wojnarowski reporting that teams like the Mavericks and Pelicans have interest in making Dragic their new point guard, Toronto could send him there for some additional players or picks.
The big prize in this deal may end up being Achiuwa, a former top recruit at Memphis who averaged 5.0 points and 3.4 rebounds per game during his rookie season. A 6-8 power forward with exceptional leaping ability and room to grow as a shooter, Achiuwa could be a valued bench piece for the Raptors in 2021 and beyond.
Lowry would join a Heat team that is in one of the worst divisions in the league. With Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks the only real competitor that could take the division crown away from them, adding a future Hall of Famer like Lowry to stabilize the backcourt on both ends could make them a contender in the East.
Lowry has made a lifetime of memories in Toronto, and he will forever be woven into the fabric of this franchise, but it appears that his departure is at hand. At least Miami will give him a chance to compete while offering Toronto a chance to develop a former first-round pick in exchange.