NBA Rumors: Raptors Get Sigh Of Relief With Lowry Hinting Of Sticking Around

The Toronto Raptors may have scored a milestone when they bagged the 2018-19 NBA title recently but eventually found themselves reeling with Leonard opting to move to Los Angeles. It was a shock move for critics considering many believed the veteran forward would return to help the Raptors defend their recently won crown.

Instead, Toronto will have to go through the 2019-20 NBA season without a key piece to their NBA title-run last season. Whatever happens, the Raptors have to face the reality that more players could be on their way out. One name that stands out is Kyle Lowry, who is expected to be hotly pursued next summer. Given that he has shown his true worth, Toronto would be wise to start locking him up as early as now.

Fortunately for the Raptors, it looks like they will not have a rough time trying to retain the 24th overall pick of the 2006 NBA Draft by the Memphis Grizzlies. Speaking to ESPN, it appears he wants to stay in Toronto if the team plans to keep him.

"I want to be there -- I would love to do a long [term] extension, but we'll see what happens," said Lowry who is currently in Las Vegas as USA Basketball kicks off training camp for the 2019 FIBA World Cup. He did not participate in the team's first practice as he recuperates from a left thumb injury.

Understandably, the immediate thing for Lowry right now is to hopefully make the team. As for his NBA career, he says that it will all fall into place at the right time. The 6-foot-1 guard is in the final year of his deal with the Raptors. He is set to become an unrestricted free agent next year unless Toronto pitches a new deal to him earlier.

" I would love to be there long term, but we'll have that discussion when the time is right," the 33-year-old guard added.

Like most, Lowry also commented on the exit of Leonard. He says he respects Kawhi's decision but feels that the Raptors still enough manpower to successfully defend their NBA title.

"We're still going to be able to run it back. We're the champions and we're trying to defend our title. I'm confident with our team," Lowry said in a report from The Athletic.