As the clock ticked down on the final game for the Toronto Raptors before the trade deadline, rumors flew about a potential change of scenery for the face of the franchise Kyle Lowry, a pending candidate in NBA free agency. The Raptors were going nowhere fast and Lowry was still more than capable of pushing a team to a title. The deadline passed without a move but the rumored rebuild is still on the horizon.
The Raptors got a little lucky on lottery night jumping all the way up to fourth in the draft. That is the type of luck that can increase the pace of a rebuild. There are rumors about a possible trade of Pascal Siakam, further pushing forward a youth movement. With all of that in mind, it is increasingly likely that Lowry will be finding his way to another team.
Kyle Lowry may be the greatest Raptor ever but his time in the North is nearing its end. What three teams make the most sense for Lowry in NBA free agency?
All three of the teams in question are varying levels of a contender. They were all playoff teams in the Eastern Conference. As was made abundantly obvious this season, adding an All-Star caliber player could be sufficient to get over the top. The Milwaukee Bucks added Jrue Holiday and finally got to the NBA Finals. Lowry could provide a similar boost to these other squads who may just be a piece away from a run akin to the Atlanta Hawks or Milwaukee Bucks.