Raptors: Has Kyle Lowry played his last game for Toronto?
By Paul Taylor
With the Toronto Raptors’ season barely over, ESPN’s Marc Stein is already suggesting Kyle Lowry could be headed to a Western Conference team.
The Toronto Raptors‘ 2016-17 campaign was (not so) mercifully brought to an end on Sunday night, courtesy of another dominant performance from LeBron James. Now, thoughts turn to what the Raptors need to do during the offseason.
More specifically, how can Masai Ujiri and company improve a roster which was arguably the best in franchise history, but still incapable of beating James and the Cavaliers in the playoffs? Is it merely a case of tinkering with the current team, or do they need to make wholesale changes?
The answer will likely influence Kyle Lowry‘s future in Toronto. Or maybe, Lowry will help make the Raptors’ decision for them.
It is pretty much assumed the 31-year old will opt out of his contract this summer, with a view to earning more than the $12 million he made this season. The question is, will the Raptors be prepared to do what it takes to re-sign him, i.e. offer him a max deal worth around $200 million and five years?
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This is reasonable to ask, considering Lowry’s age, combined with his recent injury issues. No matter how good he has been in Toronto, it is still a risk to offer such a hefty contract to a player who will likely see a drop in his productivity before the five years are up.
The Raptors are the only team which can offer the three-time All-Star such a contract. However, that $200 million could be put to use elsewhere, in order to improve the team and simultaneously make it younger.
Ironically, the decision could be taken out of the Raptors’ hands, at least if ESPN‘s Marc Stein is to be believed. According to Stein, Lowry will give serious thought to joining a Western Conference team next season.
You imagine the 2006 first round draft pick would like to play for a team with realistic hopes of winning a championship. In that respect, John Chick of thescore.com suggests the San Antonio Spurs could be a genuine option.
Certainly this makes a lot of sense, and not just because of the Spurs’ consistent contender status. Chick refers to their anticipated salary-cap room and the need to replace the soon-to-be 35-year old Tony Parker sooner than later.
Despite Stein’s comments, the assumption is Lowry would prefer to remain in Toronto (or play for his hometown team, the Philadelphia 76ers). It will be interesting to see how this apparent preference is affected, if the Raptors decide against offering him a max deal.
Along those lines, the Raptors may attempt to persuade the point guard to accept less, so they can use the difference to improve the team. However, if Lowry is more concerned by winning than making the most money possible, he will have to decide if the Raptors offer him the best chance to win an NBA championship before he retires.
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Put yourself in the Raptors’ position. Do you want Lowry back next season, and if so, would you be prepared to offer him a max deal to persuade him to stay in Toronto? Share your thoughts in the comments section.