One league insider recently told Michael Grange of Sportsnet.ca that the Toronto Raptors may hold off on trading point guard Kyle Lowry because the franchise has a chance to creep back into the playoff picture.
“I really don’t get the impression that they’re moving him or that they’re looking for something to do with him,” said one longtime league insider. “I think the climate has changed where they’re saying, ‘You know what, we got off to a slow start. OK fine, we’ll end up 4-5-6 [in the East], worst-case scenario.’ So why push Kyle out?”
Lowry, 34, reportedly wants to land with the Philadelphia 76ers. The All-Star also has been linked to the Miami Heat.
Rumors started to skyrocket after the guard listed his Toronto home for sale. However, the veteran recently shot rumors of his alleged trade interest down.
The Raptors started the 2020-21 campaign with a terrible 2-8 record. Now, they’re in the playoff picture. The Raptors hold a 17-19 record and are the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference.
Lowry is putting up 18.0 points, 7.0 assists and 5.5 rebounds per game this season. The six-time All-Star has started in 29 contests for the Raptors this year.
The Raptors start the second half of the season against the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday.
