TAMPA, FLORIDA – MARCH 24: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors looks on prior to the game between the Toronto Raptors and the Denver Nuggets at Amalie Arena on March 24, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
Kyle Lowry received praise from his head coach after what was likely his final game in a Raptors uniform.
The Toronto Raptors entered Wednesday night in a bit of a tailspin. The team had lost nine straight and franchise legend Kyle Lowry suited up for what could have been his final game ever in a Raptors uniform as the trade deadline arrives Thursday.
So naturally, the team picked up a blowout victory over the Denver Nuggets. Lowry only scored eight points, but dished out nine assists to get his teammates involved. The game itself took place in Tampa as the Raptors continue to call Florida home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The idea of Lowry playing elsewhere likely still feels weird to plenty of Raptors fans and head coach Nick Nurse offered up a quote that made it seem like Wednesday was the end.
Kyle Lowry waits for his next destination
Lowry’s name has been in trade rumors all month. He is in the final year of his current contract and the Raptors can undertake a rebuild with younger talent by moving on from the guard who will turn 36 years old this week.
Being traded during a down year while the team plays outside of Canada is an unfortunate end to such a great run. Lowry began his career with the Memphis Grizzlies before spending several years with the Houston Rockets. Then came the fateful trade to Toronto.
He has made six All-Star Games with Toronto and became an NBA champion back in 2019 during that special season in franchise history. Naming him as the best Raptor of all time is not a stretch at all. DeMar DeRozan, Vince Carter, and Chris Bosh are all names that come to mind as well. Lowry currently ranks second behind DeRozan in terms of games played with the franchise.
At this point a trade seems inevitable. The same is true for Norman Powell as the Raptors could be a very different team later this week.