KEY POINTS

  • The Toronto Raptors have ambitions of going after Bradley Beal in the offseason
  • Kyle Lowry remains part of the club's future plans, and he may be paired with Beal
  • Lowry prefers to play for Miami Heat if he is to be traded

The Toronto Raptors did not trade away veteran Kyle Lowry, despite persistent rumors that he would likely be exiting.

All signs pointed to an imminent departure, but a new allegation claims that Raptors president Masai Ujiri has something planned after this season.

As far as the 2020-21 NBA season is concerned, the Raptors are likely to miss the bus to the postseason wars. That idea alone was part of the reason why pundits felt that Lowry was more than likely to be traded. He is also on an expiring deal.

The six-time NBA All-Star has likewise been struggling with injuries, adding more woes to the charges of head coach Nick Nurse.

But beyond that, sources tell Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer that the Raptors’ real moves may come in the summer. Their main target is Bradley Beal of the Washington Wizards, a player that multiple teams are trying to pry.

Ujiri believes Lowry remains a reliable piece to the Raptors’ future, and adding a key piece in Beal appears to be it.

Beal’s original five-year deal worth $127 million will expire at the end of the season. However, he was signed to a $71.7 million contract extension until 2023 before he becomes an unrestricted free agent.

The 27-year-old does have a player option next season–probably why the Raptors and other teams are hoping to cash in.

Bradley Beal
Bradley Beal admits being flattered about interest on him but is thankful he remains a Washington Wizard. Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball in front of Bojan Bogdanovic #44 of the Indiana Pacers during the second half at Capital One Arena on January 30, 2019 in Washington, DC. Getty Images/Patrick Smith

Looking at his numbers this season, Toronto cannot be faulted in joining the race for the three-time All-Star’s services.

In 41 games this season, the 6-foot-3 guard has averaged 31.3 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.8 assists. Those are numbers the Raptors could use.

Toronto has struggled to perform since its last NBA title run when they lost Kawhi Leonard and joined the Los Angeles Clippers.

However, that also all depends on whether Lowry will still re-sign with the Raptors. Although he says he is happy in Toronto, the fact is that other teams are willing to take him in.

Furthermore, these are teams that have a loaded cast. By joining them, Lowry could win a second NBA title which could be fitting considering he is not getting any younger.

One team that Lowry reportedly prefers is the Miami Heat–that is if he was seriously up for trade in the last NBA trade deadline. Could it remain the same by the offseason?

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