By Alyssa Bravo
Earlier this week rumours emerged on social media alleging that the Toronto Raptors are
considering to trade star player Kyle Lowry. As a response, fans were divisive, with some
suggesting that a Lowry trade would allow for team growth, while most maintained that the
six-time All-Star is far too valuable to lose.
While there is no truth to these rumours yet, it is clear that most Raptors fans are adamant on
Lowry’s prolonged stay ahead of the NBA’s trade deadline on March 25.
According to Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer, the Miami Heat has expressed interest in acquiring the 34-year-old point guard. Fans of the Philadelphia 76ers have also shown interest in “bringing Kyle home,” seeing as he hails from the city.
Concerns surrounding Lowry’s age (he turns 35 the day of the trade deadline) and his contract expiring after this season are perhaps what has led to these trade rumours.
Although it would be sad to say goodbye to a nine-year veteran who led the Raptors to their
first championship, there is no denying that it could be beneficial to the team in the long-term.
It opens up the doors to obtaining another seasoned playoff performer, a draft pick, or even
adding a new, young player to the roster.
In November 2020, guard Fred VanVleet signed a four-year, $85 million extension with the
Raptors after demonstrating extreme prowess with the team during the 2018-19 and 2019-20
seasons. He undoubtedly sealed the deal with his career-high 54-point game against the
Orlando Magic on Feb. 2, which also set a franchise record for most points in a single game.
VanVleet, along with OG Anunoby and Chris Boucher, are perhaps most likely to lead the
Raptors in the foreseeable future.
Still, it’s difficult to imagine the Raptors without Kyle Lowry. Much fan rejection of the possible
trade comes out of sentimentality, as he is absolutely beloved not only in Toronto, but
throughout Canada as well.
There is no denying that Lowry’s leadership and impeccable play-making abilities has paved the way for the Raptors’ success and not just with the 2019 NBA Championship. He was
instrumental in pulling the team out of their initial 2-8 start this season, currently standing only
10-13. In fact, with Toronto’s defeat over the star-studded Brooklyn Nets on Friday night, he
scored a season-high 30 points with five rebounds, seven assists, and two steals.
Raptors fans have flocked to vote for Lowry into his seventh All-Star game appearance, along
with Fred VanVleet and Pascal Siakam. Some fans have even chosen not to vote out of concern for the players’ health due to the on-going COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite the trade rumours one thing is certain, he will forever be cherished by Raptors fans for all he has accomplished with the team, whether or not he is traded or chooses to leave Toronto in free agency.