With the the Philadelphia 76ers, and Los Angeles Lakers unlikely to make a big move before the Feb. 8 NBA trade deadline, both teams might end up competing for the top player that could be available after a contract buyout.
The Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Lakers are in very different positions heading into the trade deadline but both want to bolster their roster. However, due to the various asking prices around the league and the needs of each team, all signs point to both legendary franchises standing pat before Wednesday at 3 PM ET.
However, following the deadline, there is a very real chance that a player both teams have shown recent interest in could instead become available in free agency.
Los Angeles Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers linked to Kyle Lowry pursuit in free agency
In a Sunday posting to his Substack page, veteran NBA insider Marc Stein reported that the Charlotte Hornets could look to move six-time All-Star Kyle Lowry after acquiring him in the deal that sent Terry Rozier to the Miami Heat. While discussions are ongoing a trade is far from a guarantee. If he is not moved, the 18-year veteran could very well hit the open market ahead of the NBA Playoffs.
“Lowry is projected to have considerable interest on the buyout market if no trade materializes and should he decide to seek a settlement of what’s left of his $29.7 million expiring contract from Charlotte to become a free agent,” Stein wrote.
“The 76ers, Lakers, and Magic are among the teams known to possess an interest in Lowry if he becomes an unrestricted free agent — with Orlando also in the mix as a team that has expressed exploratory trade interest in the former NBA championship-winning point guard as well.”
The 37-year-old is nowhere near the player he once was, but he is a very competent backup point guard with a winning pedigree and league title on his resume. He is averaging over eight points and four assists in 28 minutes per game for the Heat and Hornets this season.
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