The Toronto Raptors are poised to advance to the playoffs for the first time since 2008, which created speculations that the team will likely hold on to Kyle Lowry for the remainder of the season.
But despite sitting at the third spot in the Eastern Conference standings with their 23-21 record, Marc Stein of ESPN reported that the Raptors could still trade the veteran playmaker before the trade deadline.
While a playoff stint will make Raptors fans happy, general manager Masai Ujiri is known to be a long-time thinker.
Sources said that Ujiri might be willing to sacrifice their playoff aspirations instead of losing Lowry for nothing when the 27-year-old point guard hits free agency after the season.
"Sense around league remains Toronto more likely to trade Kyle Lowry than keep him to prevent losing asset for nothing," Stein posted on his Twitter account.
Stein quickly added though that a deal with Lowry will be possible before the deadline only if the Raptors will lower their asking price for eight-year veteran.
Sources said that most teams are shying away from any deal for Lowry because the Raptors are asking for too much, considering the fact that Lowry could turn into a half-season rental due to his impending free agency.
"Issue here hasn't changed: No team out there willing YET to meet Raps' asking price for PG who, nice as he's playing, can bolt in free agency," Stein added.
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Earlier in the season, Lowry was almost traded to the New York Knicks, but chairman James Dolan vetoed the deal after the Raptors asked for their 2018 first-round pick aside from young assets like Iman Shumpert and Tim Hardaway Jr.
The Knicks are not expected to sit down with the Raptors again after the failed attempt last month, unless Ujiri decides to refrain from asking for future picks.
Previous reports also indicated that the Los Angeles Lakers and the Miami Heat also expressed their interest in acquiring the former Villanova standout.
The Heat and the Lakers were reportedly willing to take Lowry for a half-season rental, but both teams failed to convince the Raptors due to lack of attractive assets.
With Lowry still on trading block, the Heat and the Lakers are expected to revive their interest in the 6-foot point guard, who is averaging 16.4 points to go along with 7.5 assists and 4.3 rebounds this season, but the lack of assets will remain an issue.
The Golden State Warriors could be a desirable landing spot since the team has been looking for a backup point guard, and they have assets that can entice the Raptors to trade Lowry.
