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2017 NBA free agency tracker: Grades for every deal so far

By Gerald Bourguet

Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images
Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images /
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2017 NBA free agency tracker
TORONTO, ON – APRIL 18: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors talks with Serge Ibaka #9 in the second half of Game Two of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Milwaukee Bucks during the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre on April 18, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

Kyle Lowry: 3 years, $100 million (Toronto Raptors)

Once the Toronto Raptors re-signed Serge Ibaka, it was pretty clear bringing back Kyle Lowry remained the franchise’s top priority. To that end, a three-year deal worth $100 million is much more preferable than a possible five-year max would’ve been.

At age 31, Lowry’s best years will be behind him any day now. After being handily swept in the Eastern Conference semifinals, there are definite concerns about bringing back a core that clearly cannot get over the LeBron James hump in the playoffs.

With P.J. Tucker gone, the Raptors once again have zero answers for the King in a seven-game series, but Lowry is arguably the greatest player in franchise history. Re-signing him and bringing back a team that’s won 48 games in each of its last four seasons is defendable, even if the Raptors are still a tier below the elite contenders…and probably will be through the end of Lowry’s extension.

Bourguet Grade: B

HoopsHabit Grade: B+