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After taking the league by surprise during the 2020 NBA playoffs and pushing the Boston Celtics to seven games in the eastern conference semifinals, the Toronto Raptors are staring at a possible rebuild. They're now caught between deciding on where they see injured star Pascal Siakam fitting into the picture long-term, and whether or not they should re-sign franchise favorite Kyle Lowry.
Lowry is set to hit free agency this summer and will have his fair share of suitors, while Siakam has shown his displeasure with the franchise all season long while recovering from an injury that cut his season short. With all this in the fold for Toronto, let's discuss whether or not Siakam's injury could factor into Lowry leaving the Raptors this offseason.
Reasons It Would Factor Into Lowry Leaving Raptors
Kyle Lowry has found a home with the Raptors and has truly blossomed into a star while with the franchise. At the moment he currently finds himself in a bind with the uncertainty of Pascal Siakam's season-ending injury and free agency looming. After all, he and Pascal Siakam were a vital part of them bringing home the 2019 NBA championship.
He and Siakam were also the driving forces behind them taking the Celtics to seven games in the eastern conference semis last year. Having said all this, the Raptors are pretty far set into their rebuild with a plethora of young players on the roster.
With himself, VanVleet, Anunoby, and Siakam as the only remaining players from their championship team, Lowry may be set to move on to a contender to finish out his career. Especially with the severity of Siakam's injury being unknown at this time and the team lacking strong veteran leadership and star power. Having factored all this in, it would not be crazy to see Lowry donning another jersey come the start of next season.
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Reasons It Would Not Factor Into Lowry Leaving Raptors
Lowry has had a hall of fame caliber career to say the least, and is widely considered the greatest Toronto Raptor of all-time. With that said, the possibility of him re-signing with the team isn't all crazy either. Yes Siakam sat out the last couple months of the season with a serious injury, but it has not been declared severe or career-ending.
So he'll more than likely be back on the court next season ready to play. In what capacity that remains to be seen, but his injury would not be the reason for Lowry leaving in free agency. Not to mention Siakam's current dissatisfaction with the Raptors and previous verbal altercations with the coaching staff may be grounds for him getting traded.
Plus Lowry may find himself wanting to take on a role similar to that of Vince Carter at the end of his career, serving as a mentor to the younger players on the roster while helping them develop their games further. With all this in mind, Siakam's injury most certainly would not factor into Lowry leaving the Raptors in free agency. Regardless of Siakam's health status next season, there's still a chance Lowry will remain with the team.
