According to a recent report, the Toronto Raptors are seriously looking at the prospect of parting ways with a number of their core players from last season's memorable championship run. Along with Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka — both of whom are on expiring deals — another name that has reportedly also been placed on the trading block is veteran point guard Kyle Lowry.
The Raptors are currently third in the Eastern Conference standings with a 31-14 record, and Lowry has unquestionably been one of the most important players on their roster this season. Parting ways with the five-time All-Star would almost certainly cause some form of instability on the squad, as they risk messing up whatever team chemistry they have at the moment. Nonetheless, the Raptors are still reportedly willing to listen to offers for the 33-year-old, so below we list down three of the best potential trade packages Toronto might be able to get in return for Lowry.
Los Angeles Lakers
Despite their current standing, the Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly looking to add another piece to further boost their title hopes this season. Lowry is the type of player that could bring this team over the edge, and with the Lakers reportedly looking to shop out rising star Kyle Kuzma, a blockbuster deal involving these two players might just work. Lowry's substantial salary will be a stumbling block for any potential deal, so some financial maneuvering will need to be performed by both parties. That being said, the addition of Kuzma to Toronto's young core of Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet should set them up nicely for the next five years or so.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Even before the start of this season, a Kyle Lowry-Andrew Wiggins swap was already in the rumor mill. At this point, Toronto should consider reviving this deal, as Wiggins represents another potential building block for the Raptors. The former first overall pick has been outstanding this season, and has shown that he may have what it takes to be a cornerstone superstar in the near future, and pairing him alongside Siakam makes the Raptors a very formidable side for years to come.
Miami Heat
Another team that are always looking to make a move whenever possible is the Miami Heat. They are in dire need of a legitimate point guard right now, and a Kyle Lowry-Jimmy Butler combination sounds salivating. As for the Raptors, a deal could be centered around a guy like Justise Winslow, who might not have as much potential as Kuzma or Wiggins, but will still serve as a welcome addition for a future-looking Raptors side. Miami will also need to add some future draft picks and one or two expiring contracts, so again, this deal will be beneficial for Toronto in the long run.
As you may have noticed, all three deals above are of the long-term variety. Parting ways with Lowry will likely hurt the Raptors in the short term, but the potential assets they might be able to acquire in exchange for a 33-year-old that will be owed $30 million next season makes this move worth looking into.
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