KEY POINTS

  • Kyle Lowry could boost the NBA playoff bid of several teams
  • The Sixers are linked to Lowry but may have to give up one superstar
  • The Heat could offer young players to acquire Lowry

Kyle Lowry of the Toronto Raptors continues to struggle through injury, but that will not stop other teams from considering him.

Even at 34-years-old, there is no question that the six-time NBA All-Star remains a valuable player to have.

Playoff-bound teams could get a boost from the 6-foot guard, assuming that the Raptors are ready to part ways with him.

As of this writing, Lowry continues to miss games for Nick Nurse due to a thumb injury. He is likely to sit out the back-to-back games against the Sixers.

Ironically, the Raptors managed to win even without him in the roster, 110-103, and the same is expected for the second encounter.

The 76ers are one team that may explore plans of taking Lowry in if the Raptors are open to a deal.

It would make sense to see Lowry join the Sixers considering they need a player of his caliber, The Ringer reported.

It would be ideal as well for the NBA veteran considering the Sixers are on a roll right now. Philly is lording it over the Eastern Conference with a 20-11 record, but most know that stakes are different once playoff time comes.

With the NBA trade deadline fast approaching, there is no telling what the Raptors plan to do with Lowry. They could stick with the veteran guard who will become an unrestricted free agent in the offseason. He is currently paid $30 million by Toronto.

It would take much to get Lowry, meaning the Sixers and other teams would have to include a lot to get him to their fold.

No names have been mentioned although the name of Ben Simmons has once again been included. Other than the Sixers, here are three other teams who could make a go for the Pennsylvania native.

Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat drives to the basket against Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors
Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat drives to the basket against Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors Getty Images | Michael Reaves

Miami Heat

The Miami Heat should not be a surprising potential suitor. They have been linked in the past.

The Raptors could be open to deal with the Heat, depending on who they offer. Seeing how Miami has a lot of young players on the fold, there could be interesting names included in a package.

But would team president Pat Riley be open to pulling the trade trigger on a veteran and sacrifice young future faces of his current roster?

Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors defends Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics
Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors defends Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics Getty Images | Michael Reaves

Boston Celtics

A move to Boston makes more sense, considering Danny Ainge has a $28.5 million trade exception at his disposal.

The Celtics have been struggling, and adding someone of Lowry’s caliber makes sense. But a concern here is the health of the veteran playmaker.

It may all boil down to the health checks if the Celtics are serious about taking in Lowry to aid them in the postseason wars.

DeMar DeRozan #10 of the San Antonio Spurs hugs Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors
DeMar DeRozan #10 of the San Antonio Spurs hugs Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors Getty Images | Vaughn Ridley

San Antonio Spurs

The San Antonio Spurs could be a tempting landing spot for Lowry, a move that would reunite him with his buddy DeMar DeRozan.

Under the watch of Greg Popovich, the duo could rekindle the good old days and boost the Spurs playoff drive.

With a stacked Western Conference, San Antonio could get some added help to make a deeper run in the 2020-21 NBA playoffs.