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Kyle Lowry ‘Will Be Opting Out’ Of His Contract With Raptors

Ryan Ward NBA News
Kyle Lowry, Raptors, NBA

Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

The 2016-17 NBA campaign didn’t end the way Kyle Lowry and the Toronto Raptors wanted it to this past weekend. The dynamic backcourt duo of Lowry and DeMar DeRozan went home empty-handed once again while falling to LeBron James’ Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round of the NBA playoffs.

Lowry’s season ended in disappointing fashion as he struggled throughout the postseason leading up to a season-ending ankle injury which kept him out most of the series with the Cavaliers. Now, Lowry looks toward an uncertain future with the veteran forward reportedly opting out his contract with the Raptors to test free agency this summer, via Doug Smith of the Toronto Star:

“I will be opting out and that’s as far as I’ve gotten,” Lowry said as the Raptors wrapped up the season that ended with Sunday’s loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. “Honestly, that is as far as I’ve gotten. We lost yesterday. I still have to get my ankle healthy, get treatment, get to that point.”

Although Lowry is still considered one of the better players in the league at his position, the veteran guard won’t be as hot a commodity as his teammate DeRozan was last summer. The Los Angeles native ultimately ended up re-signing with the Raptors early in the process, but there were plenty of teams like the Los Angeles Lakers that were willing to throw big money at the Compton product.

Even though not on the same level as DeRozan, Lowry will have his suitors in free agency this July and there’s seems to be a good chance he’ll leave the Raptors. All signs appear to be pointing to Lowry wanting out of the LeBron-dominated Eastern Conference and taking his skills out West.

The Lakers could be an intriguing spot for Lowry with the team having a need at the point guard position and only having a 46.9 percent chance of retaining their lottery pick. Markelle Fultz, De’Aaron Fox or Lonzo Ball could be in the Lakers’ crosshairs with the pick, but if it is gone, Lowry might be an alternative in free agency.

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