Kyle Lowry says he wants to retire as a Toronto Raptor
Although Kyle Lowry’s future with the Toronto Raptors remains unclear ahead of the trade deadline and before he becomes an unrestricted free agent after the 2020-2021 NBA season, he intends to retire with the franchise.
“I will retire as a Toronto Raptor,” Lowry said on Wednesday. “One-day contract, whatever happens.”
This comes after months of speculation that the six-time All-Star was looking to be traded prior to the March 25 deadline, but Lowry was quick to dismiss the reports and is more focused on the second half of the season.
“What I would like to see is to finish this season out as strong as possible,” Lowry said. “At the end of the day — myself, my agent, and the organization — everyone has to do what’s best for them and find the best situation.”
Since joining the franchise in 2012 via a trade from the Houston Rockets in exchange for Gary Forbes and a future first round pick, Lowry helped lead the Raptors to seven consecutive playoff appearances, including two Eastern Conference finals in 2016 and 2019, while also delivering the team’s first NBA championship in franchise history in 2019. He's also the franchise's all-time leader in assists and steals, is second in games played and is only four points shy of eclipsing Chris Bosh for second place in points scored.
“Toronto has been my team; it’s the team that I’ve been a part of; it’s a franchise that helped me become the player I’ve become and the man I’ve become,” he said. “The connection that we [Toronto] have, it’s always been a home to me.”
Regardless of where Lowry ends up in the offseason, whether it’s re-signing with the Raptors or joining a potential title contender, his legacy and impact is synonymous with the franchise.
“I had great stops in Memphis and Houston that helped me grow, but in Toronto I became the person, the man, and player that I am today,” Lowry said.
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