The Toronto Raptors and Kyle Lowry have agreed on a contract extension. This extension is through the 2020-21 season and is worth $31 million reported Adrian Wojnarowski. His agent confirmed that he is set to make $64 million over the next two seasons. His deal was set to expire after this year. The five-time all-star guard will not be joining next year’s free-agent class as he was scheduled to do. Toronto needed to buy some time and lock the guard up long term and this was the best way to do so.
Kyle Lowry Extended
The Core
Kyle Lowry, who turns 34-years old during the upcoming season, is looked upon as a core piece for the Raptors. After Kawhi Leonard left the Toronto Raptors during free agency, this team was primarily viewed as a rebuilding team. The Raptors President had different ideas. Instead, Wojnarowski reports “Masai Ujiri and general manager Bobby Webster were motivated to extend Lowry and return the rest of the team’s core players to remain among the Eastern Conference’s best for the immediate future.”
Lowry’s Value
The Raptors value Lowry and have stated publicly that “Kyle has an incredible legacy here that we have all underrated,” Ujiri said at the team’s media day. “The inner core of who he is as a player and what he’s done in this franchise, he deserves that. There’s a legacy status for him.” They feel that Lowry’s loyalty and determination have made him a valuable asset to the organization. With this deal he the first 33-year-old player to ever to have a one year cap hit greater than 30 million
Stats
Kyle Lowry has the numbers to warrant the franchise player deal. His numbers last year were phenomenal. Last year he averaged 14 points and eight assists per game. However, what speaks to his growth is game six of the finals against Golden State Warriors. He finished that game with 26 points and three steals in that game to secure the victory.
Main Photo