With All-Star point guard Kyle Lowry set to hit the free-agent market in less than two weeks, it has prompted much concern from the Toronto Raptors.
According to Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders, it has pushed the organization to consider making a trade for Indiana Pacers All-Star forward Paul George in order to retain Lowry.
I was told the Raptors had to improve the team and were very interested in a move for Paul George to ensure Lowry re-signs https://t.co/hEhZtRyEy0
— Steve Kyler (@stevekylerNBA) June 20, 2017
Since his arrival five years ago, Lowry has become an important piece to the puzzle for the Raptors as one of their cornerstone players. He has developed into one of the better point guards in the league and is coming off arguably his best individual season where he averaged a career-high 22.4 points with 7.0 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game.
It was reported on Monday that Lowry back in mid-May had “zero interest” in returning to Toronto next season. However, he quickly shot that report down via Twitter voicing that it wasn't credible because it didn't come from him directly.
The Raptors have the ability to offer Lowry a max contract worth north of $200 million over the next five years, which is far greater than another team can provide him. It would help keep their All-Star backcourt in place as DeMar DeRozan had inked a five-year, $139 million deal last summer in free agency.
Although the Raptors would be taking a huge risk by trading for George, who has repeatedly voiced desire to join the Los Angeles Lakers, it is a chance the organization is willing to take to keep Lowry.
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