Philadelphia 76ers could still pursue Kyle Lowry during the offseason.
Heading into the NBA playoffs, the Philadelphia 76ers are expected to be the second seed in the Eastern Conference and will be one of the favorites to make a deep run. They also might be the team most equipped to take down the Brooklyn Nets, but don’t think are the overwhelming favorite to get to the NBA Finals by any means.
The Sixers have had their playoff issues in the past, with practically the same core. And in an NBA where you are doubted until you actually win, the Sixers are somewhat being overlooked as a contender to win the East.
And perhaps that might be because the growing narrative around this team is that they might not have a strong enough of a supporting cast around Joel Embiid, who might win the NBA’s MVP award this season.
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Considering that, it was only natural for Sixers fans and the general public to scoff at when the team failed to acquire Kyle Lowry at the NBA trade deadline. Instead, Philly traded for George Hill. For many, it was viewed as a missed opportunity for the Sixers.
Kyle Lowry would’ve been the perfect final piece for the Philadelphia 76ers
Especially against a deep East, including the top-heavy Nets, adding a player of Lowry’s caliber could’ve helped close the talent gap between the two. However, as we all know, the Sixers weren’t willing to meet the high price that the Toronto Raptors were asking for and they decided to pivot to Hill.
Which, in a way, is a smart manner of conducting business. The last thing the Sixers needed was to lose a starring contest with a non-playoff team at the deadline. Nevertheless, now, heading into the playoffs, the Sixers could still be without their final piece for a championship.
The good news is that they may get a second shot at him during the offseason, at least according to a recent report.
"The Philadelphia 76ers still plan to pursue Kyle Lowry in free agency via a possible sign-and-trade."
Even at the ripe age of 35, Lowry averaged 17 points, seven assists, and six rebounds per game on 37 percent shooting from 3-point range. He has championship experience, would help an area of need for the team, and has the capability of playing off a superstar – as he did in Toronto with Kawhi Leonard.
Of course, this is all moot if the Sixers defy logic and end up winning the championship this season. Though, if they don’t, and if they come close, there’s no question that the Raptors should be all-in on trying to acquire Lowry during the offseason.