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Kyle Lowry was the most coveted player before the NBA trade deadline with championship contenders pushing desperately to land the All-Star point guard. With NBA free agency just around the corner, the NBA champion will be drawing plenty of interest this summer.
A six-time All-Star selection, the 35-year-old is looking to end his storied NBA career on a high note. He already won an NBA championship with the Toronto Raptors, but that certainly isn’t enough for one of the most competitive players in basketball.
Let’s examine the best free-agent landing spots for Kyle Lowry.
Los Angeles Lakers sign Kyle Lowry
The Lakers made a significant last-minute push to acquire Lowry during the season but the Toronto Raptors ultimately kept their starting point guard. Los Angeles refused to part with Talen Horton Tucker and that proved to be the deciding factor. Fortunately, the cost should be reduced if the Lakers pursue a sign-and-trade this offseason.
- Los Angeles Lakers trade: Kyle Kuzma, No. 22 pick
- Toronto Raptors trade: Kyle Lowry (sign-and-trade)
Lowry presents a monumental upgrade over Dennis Schroder. While he is nearing the end of his career, Lowry averaged 17.2 points, 7.3 assists and 1 steal per game this past season. Another plus for the Lakers, the star point guard averaged 2.8 3-pointers made per game.
By adding the two-way guard, the Lakers add a perimeter defender to help contain some of the top scorers in the Western Conference. The acquisition also adds another playmaker to pair with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, all while adding more perimeter shooting.
Miami Heat get second chance at a missed opportunity
The Miami Heat thought they were acquiring Kyle Lowry before the NBA trade deadline, but talks ultimately fell apart. As we saw, the pivot to the Victor Oladipo trade backfired and Miami couldn’t even win a single game in the first round of the NBA Playoffs.
After reaching the NBA Finals a year ago, another championship ring was within Pat Riley’s grasp. He largely ran it back with the same team this past season and things didn’t work out. Don’t expect Miami to be quiet again, it needs to find another impact player to pair with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo.
Lowry is a natural fit for the Heat. For one, his competitive fire and drive would make him a beloved teammate for Butler. As we mentioned above, he also provides steady perimeter shooting and that’s something Miami would benefit from adding. Adding a floor general who can create his own shot or set others up for an easy bucket is just what Miami needs.
Kyle Lowry goes home to Philadelphia
If Lowry wants to sign immediately this summer, the Philadelphia 76ers likely aren’t an option. First, the organization must decide whether or not to execute a Ben Simmons trade. If a deal is made, Philadelphia reportedly first wants to pursue a superstar. Assuming that effort falls short, Lowry should be next on the list.
He certainly isn’t on Simmons’s level as a defender, few are, but Lowry fits what this team needs so much more. Imagine replacing Lowry with Simmons against the Atlanta Hawks, the 76ers suddenly have a player who isn’t afraid to shoot a three or finish near the rim. Lowry is more than happy to get others involved and would likely see his assists rise if paired with Seth Curry and Joel Embiid.
This might also be the spot where Lowry wants to finish his career. He grew up in Philadelphia, learned to play basketball in the region and the city is part of his DNA. Being the guy who pushed this team over the top, potentially bring a championship to the 76ers, that would mean everything.