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Raptors fans stunned, delighted Kyle Lowry wasn't moved at NBA trade deadline

As the NBA trade deadline slowly passed after a soul-draining 48 hours for Raptors fans, franchise icon Kyle Lowry isn't going anywhere after all, and everyone is stunned.

It seemed to be all but a guarantee that Lowry would be moved, with rumblings growing especially strong over the last week as the Raptors continued to plummet down the Eastern Conference standings and teams like the Clippers, 76ers, Lakers and Heat started making serious inquiries — with the latter three emerging as favourites to land Lowry right to the very end.

Raptors fans were in their feelings on Thursday. (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
Raptors fans were in their feelings on Thursday. (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

When the deadline came and went, however, it was all crickets until a few minutes after 3 p.m. Toronto time, when Adrian Wojnarowski broke the news that broke Raptors Twitter, posting: "The Raptors are keeping Kyle Lowry, source tells ESPN."

With those nine, sizzling words, Woj kicked off a chaotic post-deadline frenzy as Raptors fans try to process this dizzying outcome. Most (basically all), were absolutely delighted that Kyle wasn't moved for an underwhelming package and smitten at the possibility of the franchise legend re-signing with the Raps and finishing his career in Toronto.

Raptors fans were in an absolute frenzy leading up to Thursday’s NBA trade deadline with both Lowry and home-grown guard Norman Powell entangled in numerous trade rumours.

For the latter, at least, those rumours came to a halt just after Noon on Thursday as Powell was dealt to the Portland Trail Blazers for Gary Trent Jr. and Rodney Hood.

Losing Powell was tough for Raptors fans as the 27-year-old has spent his entire six-year career with Toronto. Making matters even more difficult was Powell’s strong play this year. His 19.6 points-per-game and 43.9 percent three-point shooting are both career bests.

While Powell and his Osmow’s ads will certainly be missed, fans are also looking forward to seeing the players who are coming to Toronto. Trent Jr., especially, has Raptors Twitter very excited and nostalgic about his father, Gary Trent Sr., who played for Toronto.

Trent Jr., 22, is averaging 15.0 points per game and is shooting 39.7 percent from deep this season.

What a day.

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