The Philadephia 76ers may have been unsuccessful when they first pursued Kyle Lowry at the trade deadline, but that doesn't mean they're done trying. According to The Athletic's Sam Amick, the Sixers will be contenders for Lowry's services in the free-agency market, with the franchise hoping to complete a sign-and-trade for the veteran point guard.
While the Sixers are currently over the projected cap heading into next season, the potential for a sign-and-trade with Toronto is not nearly as far-fetched as it might initially appear. Given Lowry's reported interest in playing for a contender in the years of his career, and the Raptors' need to acquire young, controllable assets as they embark on a retooling effort of their roster, Sixers president Daryl Morey should be able to find a way to cobble together a deal so long as he is willing to part with the requisite draft assets and prospects. That, along with one of their sizable veteran contracts on the roster — such as Danny Green — should get the team within an approximate distance of making the salary cap math work.
The Sixers were reportedly one of the strongest contenders for Lowry's services at the trade deadline in March. Though Toronto and Philly engaged in deep trade talks, the Raptors' insistence on not only receiving Matisse Thybulle and Tyrese Maxey but an additional two first-round picks ultimately resulted in the scuttling of the deal. Now, with Toronto possibly on the verge of losing its franchise point guard for nothing, Morey will be in a better position to demand a drop in the Raptors' asking price in sign-and-trade talks. This is especially true if Lowry really wants to return home.
For a general manager who routinely performs magic when working around the salary cap, acquiring Kyle Lowry would be another coup for Daryl Morey and the Sixers.
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