Toronto Raptors: Is Kyle Lowry set to be traded?

Even though the reported trade scenario between the Toronto Raptors and Memphis Grizzlies is a non-starter, is there a chance Kyle Lowry will be moved?

With the Feb. 7 trade deadline nearly here, speculation involving the Toronto Raptors has been heating up. The team is predicted to make an offer for Anthony Davis, while they are also reportedly considering a move for Wes Matthews, to improve their depth scoring.

However, it’s another potential trade involving Canada’s NBA team which has really got people talking, albeit because of how outlandish it sounds. According to Sports Illustrated‘s Jake Fischer, the Raptors reportedly offered the Memphis Grizzlies Kyle Lowry and Jonas Valanciunas, in exchange for Mike Conley and Marc Gasol.

It’s fair to say this doesn’t make much sense. Pure and simple, such a trade would not improve the Raptors’ roster or follow Masai Ujiri’s mantra for this season to go “all-in”.

So what’s the truth in all of this? Fortunately for Toronto sports fans, we have Sportsnet‘s Michael Grange to bring some sanity to the proceedings.

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Grange reported that the version of events he heard, was that talks were initiated by Memphis rather than Toronto. The Grizzlies were apparently trying to assess the market for their players as they undergo a major rebuild.

As you’d expect, the talks did not progress very far. (We would have been much more concerned about the Raptors’ front office if they had.)

Amongst all this mayhem, the aspect of Fischer’s initial tweet which we found intriguing, were his comments about Lowry in particular. Apparently, the five-time All-Star is aware of the Raptors’ general trade discussions.

So what does this mean? Is it just a case of the front office wanting to keep Lowry in the loop, as the leader/heart and soul of the team?

Or has Ujiri advised the 32-year-old there is a possibility he will be moved? After what happened to DeMar DeRozan you wouldn’t put it past the Raptors,

In addition, Lowry’s ongoing back issues have been well documented. Is it possible the Raptors are concerned he might never fully recover and they’d rather get rid of him now, especially when factoring in his remaining salary.

Of course, all of this is based on the assumption that what Fischer is reporting is accurate. Regardless, Lowry’s position may well be something to keep an eye on, between now and 3 pm ET on Thursday.

What is your take on Lowry’s position? Do you believe there is a genuine chance the Toronto Raptors will move him before the trade deadline? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.