The feelings of optimism Kyle Lowry had last season, hoping to have an easy and painless extension like DeMar DeRozan's, might have changed after his Toronto Raptors were swept with ease by the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday.
DeRozan, who didn't even get to be courted by teams around the league, signed a five-year, $139 million extension with the Raptors after being heavily rumored to be a target of his hometown Los Angeles Lakers.
Lowry will have a decision on his hands after telling reporters he'll choose to opt out of his contract and survey the market — as the 31-year-old looks to snatch what is likely the last long-term deal of his NBA career.
The 6-foot point guard sat out the last two games of the postseason due to an ankle injury and consequently was subjected to all the questions of his looming free agency, which he turned down while his team was still alive in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
This morning, Lowry was upfront about his intentions, simply saying “I will be opting out” during his exit meetings with the press, according to Marc Stein of ESPN.
Toronto was one of the last two teams standing in the East last season, giving the Cavs a run for their money, though ultimately ending their season with a 4-2 series loss to the eventual NBA champions.
This time around, the Raptors bolstered their roster with the acquisitions of Serge Ibaka and P.J. Tucker, yet their efforts were futile against a team that ran the table in style against them, regardless of the personnel or the coaching adjustments made after each game.
Despite a candid friendship with his All-Star backcourt mate, Lowry would be wise to see what other teams can offer, as he's had a hard time getting far into the postseason with this team the last four years.
The Villanova standout is putting up the best numbers of his career and would be smart to cash in now that his stock is at an all-time high, averaging 22.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 7.0 assists, and 1.5 steals through 60 games this season.
He's also shot a blistering 41.2 percent from the three-point line, giving him yet another reason to look forward to a lucrative max contract this summer.
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