Much has been made about Kyle Lowry potentially parting ways with the Toronto Raptors via a looming trade deal. The veteran is well aware of all the whispers, and he has come out with an unequivocal statement pledging his loyalty to the team.

According to Lowry, he will do everything he can to remain in Toronto:

“I will retire as a Toronto Raptor. One-day contract, whatever,” Lowry said, via team insider Doug Smith.

Now if that isn't a strong indication of his desire to stay on with the Raptors then I no longer know what is. Clearly, Lowry wants to remain in Toronto, and based on his statement here, he seems to be willing to take a significant discount on his contract for this to happen.

It is worth noting, though, that Lowry is currently pocketing $30 million this season. He is on the final year of his current contract and unless he signs an extension with Toronto, he is going to be a free agent in the offseason. This is exactly why rumors have been rife about a potential trade away from the team. The last thing the Raptors want would be to lose Lowry for nothing come summertime.

Nevertheless, Lowry has made it abundantly clear that he intends to stay put. Then again, it remains to be seen how much of a pay cut he is willing to take moving forward. $30 million per year is no joke and there's virtually no way Toronto will be willing to shell out that amount of money for a 35/36-year-old Lowry next season.