For the first time in almost a decade, Kyle Lowry suited up for an NBA team not named the Toronto Raptors, as his reign north of the border came to an end thanks to a sign-and-trade move that sent him to the Miami Heat. Even after he made the move, Toronto remains on his mind.
Lowry has overcome a slow offensive start and has helped the Heat emerge as one of the best teams in the East due to an 11-6 record. The same skills that helped make Toronto a consistent winner Even at age 35, Lowry is proving to be an above-average passer, defender, and leader.
In an interview with Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated, Lowry touched on a variety of topics related to his time in Toronto. These include how he decided to leave the Raptors in favor of the Heat, his legacy north of the border, and his relationship with Masai Ujiri and Bobby Webster.
Lowry anticipates making a triumphant return to the Raptors when he decides to call it a career. “I’ll say it now, I will sign a one-day contract and I’ll retire as a Toronto Raptor,” Lowry said. “That is my everything.”
Exclusive interview with new #Heat guard Kyle Lowry in @TheUndefeated in which he explains why he left the Raptors, why he chose Miami, why he isn’t looking forward to returning to play in Toronto, his Heat-related big Thanksgiving plans and much more. https://t.co/cgNsUuNh9k
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) November 22, 2021
Kyle Lowry remembers his Toronto Raptors tenure fondly.
Lowry claimed that there he doesn’t have any animosity towards Toronto’s front office, claiming that all parties involved in getting him to Miami were very open and collaborative. “I still text Bobby, I still text Masai,” Lowry said. “There are no hard feelings. We’ve all had an open line of communication.”
Lowry took pride in the fact that he left the franchise ina. good pace after his departure. Without Lowry in the fold, players like Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet, and OG Anunoby are getting more attention, and they are making the most of it.
When asked why he decided on Miami, Lowry hinted that the Heat “had a need for someone like me.” Considering his connection with Jimmy Butler and the roster full of young players ready to compete for a championship, it’s easy to see why Lowry is such a big fan of the project Erik Spoelstra and Pat Riley are building.
https://twitter.com/NBATV/status/1459673044197142537
Lowry may have turned the page and started the first post-Toronto chapter of his career, but it sounds like he still has a special place in his heart for this organization. Lowry mentioned in the interview that he may need to hold back tears when he makes his return to Toronto, and some fans may need to do the same.