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This offseason forced Kyle Lowry to take a close look at his future like many other free agents had to do. Coming off his best season, the 6-foot Villanova star had to evaluate his window of opportunity with the Toronto Raptors and what it could bring for him moving forward.
While many expected the Philly native to go back to home grounds as part of “The Process” — Lowry had a strong interest in the San Antonio Spurs, according to Jabari Young of the San Antonio Express-News — interest that unfortunately wasn't mutual.
“It was real for me, but it wasn't real for them,” Lowry said. “That's a part of the business that people don't know. I would have loved to come here, but it didn't work out. The conversation didn't happen. If the conversation happened, I would tell you. But it didn't happen.”
“Not saying that I wanted out, but I did look at teams to see what was going on. I mean this place would've been a great place.”
Lowry ultimately settled for a three-year, $100 million deal to return to the Raptors, cashing in on a career-year in which he averaged 22.4 points, 7.0 assists, 4.8 rebounds and was named an Eastern Conference All-Star for the third consecutive time.
The 31-year-old couldn't help but be mystified by the presence of head coach Gregg Popovich, who now sits as the eldest statesman and arguably the best-regarded coach in the league.
“Gregg Popovich is one of the best coaches in the history of the NBA,” said Lowry. “I knew the culture, but at the end of the day I came back to a situation that was best for me that I loved and happy to be in.”
Players like Chris Paul, Carmelo Anthony, Paul George, Kyrie Irving, and others traded places, but Lowry stayed put in the great north, likely wondering what it could have been if the Spurs had interest in him.
