Toronto Raptors: Kyle Lowry fires back at media

By Paul Taylor | Jun 20, 2017

May 3, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) reacts in the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game two of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

Kyle Lowry isn’t too impressed, as he responds to a report from Bruce Arthur of The Star, who claims the three-time All-Star has zero interest in re-signing with the Toronto Raptors.

Toronto Raptors‘ point guard Kyle Lowry can often give the appearance of someone you wouldn’t want to wind up at the best of times. And yet, this hasn’t stopped at least one member of the media doing just that.

As per a report from The Toronto Star‘s Bruce Arthur, Lowry has apparently been grumbling about dissatisfaction with the Raptors for months. According to the sports columnist, as of mid-May, other teams were being told the 31-year old had “zero interest” in returning to Toronto, even if he was offered a maximum five-year deal.

Arthur went on to allege the Raptors have no intention in offering a five-year contract anyway. The question is, how much stock should we put into these claims?

Well, let’s find out from Lowry himself. The 2006 first round draft pick took to Twitter on Monday night to write:

"“I dont do this ever but : Don’t believe what you hear !! Especially if it didn’t come from me, and that bs FOR SURE didn’t come from me..GN.”"

Now of course, if you want to play Devil’s Advocate, you could argue Lowry has to say that. After all, he wants to put himself in the strongest position possible to secure one last big payday.

However, if we’re being objective, i.e. with no horse to back in this race, the three-time All-Star’s comments seem much more feasible. And part of the reason comes from Arthur’s own choice of words.

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Does it really seem likely Lowry has ZERO interest in re-signing with the Raptors? Even if Arthur had written “unlikely”, “little chance” or something to that effect, it would have sounded more plausible.

Now, in fairness to Arthur, it should be noted he does go on to write that Lowry recently spoke to the Raptors, on good terms. He does also add the 2016 Summer Olympics Gold medalist is prone to dramatic outbursts, which the organization is used to by now.

Of course, you could argue the sports columnist is hedging his bets. Also keep in mind the additional comments are made in the second-bottom paragraph of his column.

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of all this recent news, is the claim that the Raptors don’t want to offer Lowry a maximum five-year deal. They are the only team which can do this, with everyone else only able to offer four years at the most.

Another part of the equation comes down to the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native’s other options. In fact, his hometown team was at one point speculated to be interested, but as we now know, they have traded for the first overall pick in this year’s draft and will probably use it to select point guard Markelle Fultz.

If Lowry sticks by his recent claim that he wants to put himself in the best possible position to win a ring, the San Antonio Spurs would be an excellent option. However, recent speculation indicates — for what it’s worth — they have no interest in him.

Overall, we should expect several more twists and turns — some legit, some manufactured — before this situation is resolved. In reality, no one knows for sure what Lowry or the Raptors will eventually decide, but it sure will make for an interesting summer.

Next: Is a reunion with Amir Johnson realistic?

Taking all of the most recent information into account, what’s your take? Do you believe Lowry will re-sign with the Raptors or go elsewhere, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

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