The Kyle Lowry saga continues as the Toronto Raptors seem to be ready to part ways with the point guard. Conflicting reports also suggest they aren’t interested in dealing him before the trade deadline and others are saying the Canadian team has already identified their targets if they decide to part ways with the 2019 NBA champion.
The Miami Heat have been linked with Lowry in recent days, as well as the Los Angeles Clippers and Philadelphia 76ers but the picture looks clearer for the Floridian team. According to Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer, the Raptors will be ready to let Lowry go if they can land either Duncan Robinson or Tyler Herro in return.
“League sources say the Heat are pursuing a deal for Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry harder than anyone, though the Clippers and Sixers retain interest,” O’Connor wrote.
“Lowry recently said he wants to retire with the Raptors even if he needs to sign a one-day contract. But if he gets dealt, league sources say his preferred destination is Miami because of his close friendship with Jimmy Butler.”
They would get a very good player in Lowry but the Heat have been asked about their dynamic duo in the past and it doesn’t seem like they’re very interested in letting Robinson or Herro go right now.
“The Raptors would require at least Tyler Herro or Duncan Robinson from Miami in any potential deal, sources added,” O’Connor wrote. “And since Lowry makes $30 million, the Heat would need to give about $24 million in total salary. Goran Dragic, who makes $18 million and has a team option for next season, would likely need to be included (or Kelly Olynyk, who makes $13.6 million). If draft pick compensation were required, the Heat can trade only first-round picks in 2025 and 2027.”
Herro and Robinson are the future of the franchise and parting ways with any of them doesn’t seem to be a likely possibility for the team. It was reported that the Houston Rockets made the same request to the Heat while trying to trade PJ Tucker but the offer was rejected. It doesn’t sound like things are going to change now.
If the Raptors manage to get a deal done for any of these players, they would get a huge W while the Heat will get the upgrade they need in the point guard position with Lowry. They have recovered their best form and adding a piece like Kyle will take them to the next level now that the playoffs are getting close.
