Asked today about his upcoming free agency, Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry mentioned a number of factors that he’ll consider as he makes his decision, writes Doug Smith of The Toronto Star. Lowry cited family considerations as one important factor, along with “money” and “years,” as well as his desire to win more championships (Twitter link via Josh Lewenberg of TSN.ca).
Perhaps most interestingly, Lowry suggested his future may be tied in part to that of president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri, who is the Raptors’ other key free agent this summer: “I told him this, the only reason I’m still here is because of him. Part of the reason I re-signed here twice is because of him. That is a large part of why I am able to be who I am and gotten to this point.”
Based on Lowry’s comments about prioritizing family and competing for titles, Eric Koreen of The Athletic believes the six-time All-Star is probably more likely to join a new team than to return to the Raptors. However, Lowry also hinted that he may have unfinished business with his current club after a disappointing 2020/21 season spent away from Toronto.
“It does play a factor in it because I enjoy the challenge of people counting me out, counting the team out,” Lowry said. “I enjoy that competitive nature, and I wanna challenge myself and see what I can continue to help do and build. But a lot of things will be factored into this summer and this free agency. The unfinished business thing is part of it, a little bit.”
Here’s more from around the Atlantic:
- There has been an expectation that Mike James‘ stint with the Nets will be temporary, since he remains under contract with EuroLeague powerhouse CSKA Moscow through 2022/23. However, international reporter Chema de Lucas tweets that James may try to stay in the NBA beyond this season, and Aris Barkas of Eurohoops.com suggests CSKA Moscow would be open to that idea if they can save some money and keep James away from their European rivals.
- When Joel Embiid suffered a knee injury on March 12 that was later diagnosed as a bone bruise, he initially feared that it would be a season-ender, he tells ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, who published an in-depth feature on the Sixers center. “As soon as I fell, the first thing that I’m thinking is: ‘My season is over,'” Embiid said. Having avoided a major injury such as an ACL tear, the big man returned to action just three weeks later, on April 3.
- Loosened restrictions on gathering in New York mean that the Knicks and Nets are in position to significantly increase their arena capacities for the postseason, as Steve Popper of Newsday details.
family, money, years, championship. Philly has 3 out of the 4. that should be enough for anyone after being so successful this long in the league. this would add to his legacy if he goes there, something that wasn’t mentioned.
They don’t have the cap space. Unless he takes less. Which won’t happen.
Watch they will trade Ben Simmons this off-season if they lose and will sign Lowry or try to get someone else
The Sixers would be smart to trade Simmons. At best he’s a decent #2 guy, in reality he’s more of a very good #3 like Draymond is/was.
To me biggest issue. Is playing him at PG. Don’t get the obsession there. He’s so much more productive at either wing. With a scoring PG or traditional PG. He will still get his ast. And be more effective. He can lock down teams top scorer (SF). And get his points easily by moving without ball.
Biggest issue for me isn’t on the court. It’s his next contract. Already looking down the line why would I pay this dude max again to be the same player. But the only dudes I’d want (wouldn’t be straight up so chill) are Beal or Lillard. 90% unlikely to happen tho. Not too many other players out there I’d want that would get the team over the hump vs keeping Ben and letting him walk when his contract is up.
that’s what i’m saying Al. 3 out of the 4 is great. can’t eat all the cake by yourself. when’s enough millions enough?
You say “enough” like all these guys care about is money. They are human beings, it’s often more complicated than that.
You also didn’t mention weather, which after years in Toronto makes somewhere like Miami that much more appealing. 3/5?
just speaking bout lowry’s situation. he stated his criteria on how he’s going to decide on fa. something has to be sacrificed and it’s not like he’s not gonna get a check, just take less to have everything else. he didn’t state weather, but family is in philly+.
Ok fair enough I hear you
MSG with more fans. Gonna help….. Knicks are ready for Hawks. Should be an entertaining series.
Go Knicks …..
Seems like Lowry is going to Miami. With Trent Jr likely to be kept in Toronto I don’t see the raps re-signing Kyle…
best thing is for Lowry and Masai to both leave. Masai throws money around too easily. Toronto fans are patient they have supported the losing Leafs for 50 years. maybe we can package them. I am not knocking Lowry as he is easily the greatest Raptor of all time and has the heart of a champion.
Having a hard time following this comment. You want to get rid of them and be patient losing? Raps also won just a couple years ago. Not knocking Lowry, but he needs to leave?
It’s money… why pay him two years for a team that can not contend. They did not make the playoffs this year.