Toronto Raptors: Kyle Lowry sounds off on trade rumours

With all the talk about Kyle Lowry’s future with the Toronto Raptors, the point guard is making it clear that there has been some misinformation being reported.

The Ringer’s Ryen Russillo recently appeared on the Bill Simmons Podcast saying that the 34-year-old is telling people he expects to be traded.

"“Lowry has been telling everybody for a month that he’s getting traded, which is interesting that he’s already like ‘yeah, I’m out of here,’” Russillo said. “So I don’t know if that’s him saying it, I don’t know if that’s some understanding that he has with the front office. I don’t know that part of it but whenever you ask about Lowry, it’s ‘well, he thinks he’s leaving.’ I think they should trade him, by the way.”"

This then led to Lowry took to respond his Instagram account basically shooting down the latest rumours.

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This isn’t the only report to come out about Lowry as it was reported by the Philadelphia Inquirer that the 76ers were the preferred destination while the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Clippers also being considered. This was then shot down by Lowry’s agent Mark Bartelstein.

Toronto has a tough decision to make ahead of the trade deadline as they currently sit eighth in the Eastern Conference with a 17-19 record. Whether or not they can improve on their playoff position to earn an easier matchup in the first round remains to be seen.

Lowry continues to be productive this season averaging 18 points, seven assists, and 5.5 rebounds while shooting 40.3 per cent from deep. While keeping him around for another run is enticing, getting valuable assets that could help this team going forward might be the better option.

Toronto Raptors: Kyle Lowry trade comes down to finding the right fit

Masai Ujiri and Bobby Webster understand that they need to make the best decision for the Raptors. If a team offers a deal for Lowry that’s too hard to pass on fans they will have to have a tough conversation with the veteran.

There’s no denying the impact Lowry has in the locker room but unless he gives Toronto a firm commitment to returning next season, the front office has to think about the succession plan. In a way they have shown their commitment to the core led by Fred VanVleet, Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby but it’s clear that the Raptors will need more if they plan to compete with the elite teams in the East.

At one point this season, there was talk about the Raptors being in a position to have a high draft pick based on the way the season was going. Now they will likely be picking in the mid to late first-round depending on whether they make a push coming out of the NBA All-Star break.

This is why there shouldn’t be a firm “don’t trade Lowry” stance if his tenure comes to end this season. Considering he sold his house in Toronto, which likely also has to do with the fact the Raptors will remain in Tampa, it doesn’t guarantee that he plans on re-signing.

What are your thoughts on the Lowry fiasco? Do you think his departure is likely? Let us know in the comments below.