As the LA Clippers continue to focus on this season, other teams are looking to make moves to benefit their future. One of those teams, the Toronto Raptors, may be ready to move on from one of their long-time players.
According to a Bleacher Report article by Jake Fischer, the team might be ready to bid adieu to longtime Raptor Kyle Lowry. With the team seemingly in transition from the old guard that won the title in 2019 and having just paid several players including point guard Fred VanVleet, moving Lowry makes sense.
With just one year left on his deal, Lowry could be a help to any contender given that he is still a capable player who is putting up 17.0 points per game on 42.6% shooting (36.9% from deep), 6.7 assists, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.0 steals.
The LA Clippers have been mentioned as one of the possible destinations if Kyle Lowry is moved.
On paper, the addition of Lowry makes sense. He gives the starting unit another proven player and someone who Kawhi Leonard has experience next to. He is still a capable defender and can knock down shots, especially as open as he would be given the opponent’s focus on Paul George and Leonard. He would also add to the playmaking of this team, something many have said they lack at the point guard spot.
In his article, Fischer claims sources say that Lou Williams is available and could be part of a potential trade package for Lowry. The team would also have to give up a few other pieces, given Lowry’s $33.3 million price tag this season.
A potential trade like the one above would get Lowry to LA but would cost the Clippers quite a bit. They would lose some guard depth and would have no true backup center on the roster and would have to hope to fill that void via the buyout market.
This deal is tough to see happening, especially given how much the Clips would have to give up. It’s also interesting that these sources are seemingly knowledgeable about the Clippers but as Clipper Nation knows, their front office rarely, if at all, lets anything leak. For now, let’s just chalk this up to speculation on Fischer’s part and keep pressing forward.