Kyle Lowry, Toronto Raptors. (Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)
Kyle Lowry may want to stay with the Toronto Raptors, but if he is traded, his preferred destination would be to the Miami Heat. Thursday is the 2021 NBA trade deadline, so the clock is ticking.
Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry is one of the biggest names on the trading block. He could be heading somewhere by Thursday’s NBA trade deadline, possibly to the Miami Heat.
According to Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer, several teams are hoping to trade for Lowry at the deadline, including the Heat, the Los Angeles Clippers and his hometown Philadelphia 76ers. While Lowry would prefer to stay put, if he is to be dealt, he would prefer it to be to the Heat, where he can join his friend Jimmy Butler in Miami. LaMarcus Aldridge is also linked to Miami.
Kyle Lowry has a better chance of winning second title this year in Miami
Though we are only two years removed from Toronto winning its first NBA Finals in franchise history, the Raptors are not expected to make the Eastern Conference Playoffs this year. If Toronto bottoms out, the Raptors could be in the running for Oklahoma State basketball star Cade Cunningham. However, if they do trade Lowry this week, they can get some major assets for him.
O’Connor reports that Toronto would require either Duncan Robinson or Tyler Herro in exchange for Lowry, at the very least. They will probably command other compensation as well. Since he would be taking minutes from Goran Dragic in Miami, he would likely be heading Toronto’s way in this supposed blockbuster trade. Lowry could help Miami orchestrate another deep playoff run.
If Lowry does have to be traded, he would do well by joining Miami’s great basketball culture.