Should the Toronto Raptors trade Kyle Lowry?
Despite their talented roster, the Toronto Raptors have been one of the most disappointing teams in the Eastern Conference. Toronto is 7-12, ranked 12th in the East. Even though they’re only 1.5 games back of the 8th and final playoff spot, this team doesn’t look anything like last year’s squad.
Statistically, the Raptors are an average team across the board – they’re ranked 13th offensively, 17th on defensively, and 14th in net rating. Pascal Siakam, the team’s best player, has taken a step back from last season, and that perhaps has been the biggest disappointment for the team thus far.
One big elephant in the room is the impending free agency of Kyle Lowry, who once again is proving that he can be a valuable piece for a team. At the age of 34, Lowry is averaging 18 points, six rebounds, and six assists on 42 percent from the field and 37 percent shooting from 3-point range.
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He’s the Raptors’ third-leading scorer and has been the motor to their offense on most nights. Even in last year’s playoffs, the Raptors seemed lost without Lowry on the floor or creating on the offensive end. He’s also one of the team’s best defenders and leaves it all out on the floor. No one ever questions his effort.
His future in Toronto, however, could be coming to an end. Especially if the Raptors can’t turn their season around. At this point in his career, Lowry will likely enter free agency with the goal of playing for a contender in mind – while also getting a nice payday.
As other teams improve, you can’t help but feel like the Raptors’ championship window has closed – or is close to closing. Save for potentially landing a big-name free agent during the 2021 offseason.
After Giannis Antetokounmpo and Paul George both signed extensions, the free agency class of 2021 has taken a hit. Plus, I’m not sure how alluring of a landing spot the Raptors will look during the offseason – especially if this team misses the playoffs entirely.
Toronto needs to decide if they’d be better off trading Kyle Lowry ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline in an attempt to get something from him before he could potentially walk in free agency during the offseason.
If they get to that point, the Raptors could create quite the bidding war. Should Lowry hit the trade block, he’d be the best player to potentially be traded at the deadline and would have contenders lining up for even the chance at a rental.
Lowry is still playing at a high level and would give any contender a valuable contributor with championship experience. He’d be the most sought after player at the NBA Trade Deadline. The ball is in Toronto’s court, though. Should they trade Kyle Lowry?