Could Kyle Lowry Come Back Home to Philadelphia?
Everyone knows Sixers President Daryl Morey loves to make moves at the trade deadline, and a 6-time All-Star and 2019 NBA Champion point guard may prefer a trade to Philadelphia.
According to the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Keith Pompey, Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry would like to be traded to Philly, and the Sixers and Raptors might be willing to work out a trade.
The Villanova product is averaging 18 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 6.5 assists in 26 games this season. Lowry is a pesky, Philly-tough guard that could add more toughness on defense, another strong ball-handler, and a 39.5% three-point shooting clip.
With Lowry approaching free agency in the offseason, the Raptors could look to get some value for the 34-year-old. The Raptors are looking for veterans on expiring contracts, young players, and draft picks in exchange for the Philly native.
The Raptors’ trade demands fit well with what the Sixers have currently. A deal featured around a young player like rookie Tyrese Maxey and draft picks would get the Raptors’ attention.
Then, throwing in the expiring contracts of Danny Green, Mike Scott, and Terrance Ferguson would match Lowry’s $30 million contract.
Would that be too much for a 34-year old point guard about to enter free agency after the season?
I don’t think so. It would hurt to have to give up on the promising future of Tyrese Maxey and have him in the same division for years to come, but the Sixers are in win-now mode, and players of Lowry’s status don’t become available very often.
Including Danny Green in the trade may sting the Sixers floor spacing, but Lowry shoots a higher percentage from three than Green’s 38.2% clip.
Inserting Lowry into the starting lineup for Danny Green would take this already strong starting lineup to a higher level. It would also give Doc Rivers the ability to stagger Simmons and Lowry’s minutes where the Sixers will always have a guard capable of running the offense, which the Sixers have had a problem with when Simmons is off the court.
One big question is how Simmons and Lowry could coexist on the court together.
Both players are at their best with the ball in their hands, but with Lowry’s success sharing the ball-handling load with Fred VanVleet, one would think it wouldn’t be too much of an issue for the 76ers.
However, the Sixers will have some stiff competition for Lowry. Pompey listed the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Clippers as teams most interested in the 15-year veteran guard.
With Joel Embiid playing at an MVP-level, the Sixers have to try to bring in the NBA champion guard to improve their chances of coming out of the East.
Featured Image: Jesse D. Garrabrant/Getty Images
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