Kyle Lowry probably didn’t expect to stay in Toronto very long when the Raptors acquired him on July 11, 2012, but now he can’t really imagine himself playing anywhere but Toronto.
The 32-year-old point guard has spent the past seven years of his career with the Raptors and just recently helped them capture their first NBA title in franchise history, but things might be different next summer since he’s heading into the final year of his three-year deal. On Monday, Lowry spoke to Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated and mentioned that he hasn’t received an offer from the Raptors just yet, but plans on staying in Toronto long-term.
That was part of Lowry’s conversation with Mannix, as he also discussed other topics such as how he found out Kawhi Leonard was joining the Los Angeles Clippers, how he feels about Kawhi going home, whether or not he tried to recruit the two-time NBA champion to stay put, and more.
According to Mannix’s recent article, Lowry says he’s “never been a recruiter” and that he never will be, and that all of his conversations with Leonard while he was making his decision and after he made his decision were never about basketball because they’re friends. The Raptors point guard obviously wanted Leonard to stay put, but he respects Kawhi’s decision.
“Free agency is free agency,” said Lowry. “I love when NBA players get paid. I love the decisions guys are making for their happiness. At the end of the day, you have to be happy for them.”
“[Leonard leaving] wasn’t a surprise. I’m always happy for guys, especially one that help me do something fantastic. He’s a friend of mine and a good guy. He made a decision to go home, I’m genuinely happy for him. He gets a chance to be around his family and friends, you have to respect the guy and be happy for him.”
Lowry was then asked if Kawhi leaving ruins the Raptors’ chances of repeating next season, and he seems pretty confident in Toronto’s roster moving forward.
“It is what it is. We’re still going to be able to run it back. We’re the champions and we’re trying to defend our title. I’m confident with our team.”
(H/T Si.com/Chris Mannix)
