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Philadelphia 76ers: Pass or pursue on 5 NBA trade deadline rumors

By Josh Cornelissen

TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 29: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors waves to his family during a game against the Sacramento Kings at Amalie Arena on January 29, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) 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.
TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 29: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors waves to his family during a game against the Sacramento Kings at Amalie Arena on January 29, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) 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. /
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Kyle Lowry, Toronto Raptors
Philadelphia 76ers, NBA trade deadline Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images /

Pass or Pursue: Kyle Lowry, PG, Toronto Raptors

Every move we have discussed thus far has been, relatively speaking, small potatoes. But take those potatoes, slice and fry them, cover them with cheese curds and gravy, and you’ve got poutine, Canadiens’ third-favorite thing. Their second favorite is probably those police on horseback. The first? Kyle Lowry.

Weird jokes aside, Lowry is the heart and soul of this nation’s best basketball team, the one that brought home a title in 2019 for the entire country. He is beloved by fans as much for his all-out intensity on the court as for his talent, which is significant. Every single season he ranks near the top of the league in impact metrics despite modest numbers.

Yet the Raptors are 17-23, 11th in the Eastern Conference and on a six game losing streak. Injuries, COVID-19 and home games in Florida have all contributed, but the reality is that this was not a title contender even at the start of the year. With Lowry being an unrestricted free agent this summer, the Raptors could decide to move him to bring back assets.

Lowry would unquestionably help the Philadelphia 76ers. He is a rugged defender with the strength to cover multiple positions, and combined with Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid would form the best defensive trio in the league.

Offensively Lowry can shoot (38.6 percent from deep) and is comfortable not driving every possession, content to work off-ball and even make cuts or set screens. When he does have the ball he can drive and create, and has developed into a willing and accurate passer. There are basically no on-court downsides to adding Lowry to the Sixers’ rotation.

The question is cost, and whether Lowry would stick around. Philadelphia would need to trade Danny Green and Mike Scott at a minimum, with another salary and a young prospect or two. Sprinkle in a couple of first-round draft picks and you have a deal. Lowry would need to commit to re-signing for Philly to roll the dice.

Would the Raptors bite? They will likely do whatever Lowry decides he wants; he has earned that loyalty from them. A young guard like Tyrese Maxey could grow into something, and there is downside risk in the future if Embiid’s injuries mount and Ben Simmons stalls as a top option. The picks could be intriguing for that reason.

If Lowry wants to come to Philly, the 76ers should sprint to the phone and call it in. A closing 5 of Lowry, Seth Curry, Tobias Harris, Simmons and Embiid is devastating on both ends of the court and would give the Sixers the best chance at getting past the Brooklyn Nets or Milwaukee Bucks.

Next. NBA: Ranking every team’s best player in 2020-21. dark

If Lowry is not on the table, there probably isn’t a home run waiting for them. Leaning into what is working for them thus far and improving the back-half of the rotation could be a worthy goal as they make a run at the NBA Finals.

Verdict: Pursue!