The Raptors were the second team to fall to the greatness of King James and the Cavs this postseason. The Cavs easily handled Toronto, pulling out their brooms and sweeping them in four games. Kyle Lowry didn't play well in the series and actually was out in the series-clinching Game 4 due to injury. Lowry hasn't had the best success in the postseason as a Raptor, but he wants to test the market this upcoming offseason. According to ESPN, Kyle Lowry has opted out of the final deal of his contract with Toronto and will test the free agent market.
Will he try to form his own super team in the eastern conference, or will he take his talents west to the western conference?
Open waters
Kyle Lowry has one year worth $12 million left on his current deal with Toronto. Lowry made his desire to opt-out in October when he told The Vertical he wanted to remain a Raptor but also said he is "open to seeing what is out there." Lowry is joining a potentially stacked free agent class that includes big names like Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Blake Griffin, and Chris Paul. Lowry is a proven all-star, but he might've chosen the wrong year to test the waters of Free Agency. The point guard spot is looking to have a lot of talent, so he might not be able to get the deal he truly wants due to teams saving money to possibly acquire better talent.
This abundance of free agent point guard talent could be a blessing for Lowry. Only one team can sign the talent that might be better than him, so once they realize they can't sign who they want, Lowry can come in as an exceptional second option. Lowry was a three-time all-star during his time in Toronto, so teams know what he is capable of bringing to their team.
When the free agent period starts, don't be surprised if Lowry gets a few calls asking about his services.
Red flags
With Lowry entering the free agent pool, there will be positives and negatives with his game. This past season Lowry posted a career-best this season, averaging 22 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds per game. He was a part of one of the best backcourts in the league paired with DeMar DeRozan and led the Raptors to a three seed in the Eastern Conference.
DeRozan and Lowry have a great relationship off the court and DeRozan will be in his ear convincing him to stay up north. Lowry has had his best years in Toronto, refining his game and becoming more of a true point guard.
There are some Red Flags with his game as well, though. Lowry missed 22 games last season due to a wrist injury he suffered in February. In their playoff season against the Cavs, he injured his ankle in Game 2 and aggravated it again while warming up for Game 3. Lowry's health is a big concern for possible teams, but he should be ready to go by the time free agency starts. Lowry's positives outweigh the negatives, and he will be a great fit for any team that wishes to sign him.
Toronto fans are holding their breath to see what will happen with Lowry and the Raptors. His skills are irreplaceable, and they know it. Free agency doesn't start until the middle of the summer, so teams have time to put their pitches together and convince Kyle Lowry that playing for their team is the best decision. NBA free agency is about to be a wild ride.
