Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry is set to become a free-agent this summer and it is uncertain on whether he would return with the team. Lowry has spent the past five season with the Raptors and has enjoyed the most success he has during his career.
He and fellow guard, DeMar DeRozan, are considered the cornerstones of the franchise but things have not gone the way the team has liked as they have been bounced out by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the playoffs the past two seasons, including a 4-0 sweep this past postseason.
Now after another year of playoff disappointment the Raptors are at a crossroads and, according to Bruce Arthur of The Star, Lowry has “zero Interest” in returning to the team next season.
“As of mid-May other teams were being told Lowry had “zero interest” in returning to Toronto, even if the Raptors offered a maximum five-year deal. Which since the club had no intention of offering a five-year deal probably made Lowry’s declaration easier to make.”
Lowry, however, took to his own personal Twitter to refute the reports that he is on his way out of Toronto:
I dont do this ever but :
Don't believe what you hear !! Especially if it didn't come from me, and that bs FOR SURE didn't come from me..GN— Kyle Lowry (@Klow7) June 20, 2017
Lowry during his tenure with team has averaged 18.2 points and 6.8 assists per game, but has often underwhelmed in the playoffs when they need him most and things are only getting tougher in the East.
The Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards took big leaps this past season while teams like the Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers seem to be making major improvements as well.
What Lowry ultimately decides is anyone’s guess and free agency doesn’t begin until July 1, but he will definitely be one of the biggest names to watch this summer.