It’s always bitter sweet when you have to do whats right for your career and you saw good bye to a team that watched you grow. This is exactly what Kyle Lowry had to do with the Raptors 9fter nine seasons with them, Kyle Lowry is off to South Beach joining the Miami Heat ending a nine-year run with the team.
For a little while it was rumored that the Heat were the frontrunners to sign the veteran as Lowry had an interest in joining good friend Jimmy Butler. He will also make $90 million on a three-year deal but the contract cannot be announced till later in the week.
Fortunately for the Raptors, they will receive something in return for Lowry as the contract will be part of a sign-and-trade. It is not known yet what Toronto will get in return
Grange also adds that Canadian Dwight Powell would be the ideal return in a deal with Dallas. Losing Lowry is tough news for Raptors fans considering the team was suck south of the border due to COVID-19 travel restrictions and Lowry was never given a proper sendoff.
The 35-year-old leaves the franchise as the all-time leader in assists (4,277), steals (873), three-pointers (1,518) and triple-doubles (18). Of course, Lowry’s impact on and off the court wasn’t always measured by stats as he was beloved for his bulldog mentality and leadership.
No player is more deserving to have his number retired first by the Raptors. Without his performance in Game 6 of the 2019 NBA Finals, Toronto would not have been able to clinch their first NBA title.
There is no doubt where Lowry stands with the Raptors as the greatest player in franchise history. His first game back in Toronto will be the most popular ticket in town and likely the most anticipated and emotional game since DeMar DeRozan made his return.
It would be fitting that when the time comes, Lowry chooses to sign a one-day contract to retire with the Raptors and then be honored with his jersey being the first retired by the team. Of course, a statue to commemorate his impact on the city and team also seems like a no-brainer.
