Kyle Lowry’s Time in Miami is Officially Over
Miami Heat Trade KLow to Charlotte Hornets for Scary Terry.
Earlier this week, the Miami Heat and Charlotte Hornets agreed to a swap of guards, sending Kyle Lowry to Charlotte and Terry Rozier to Miami.
The Hornets will also receive a protected 2027 first-round draft pick (but would switch to a 2028 first-round pick if the protection kicks in) as well.
Lowry was a good fit with Miami as he exuded Heat Culture. But this was a necessary trade for the team as they are in need of more scoring.
Currently, they are sitting at 26th for points per game.
Hence, Rozier.
In 30 games this season, he is averaging 23 points on 45.9 percent shooting.
He’s also making 2.8 out of 7.7 three-pointers a game and this high-volume, efficient shooting should cure some of the Heat’s offensive woes.
As for the Hornets, who are 10-32, they are setting into rebuilding mode.
So why would they trade for Lowry, who is on an expiring deal, is old and doesn’t fit their timeline?
Well, according to Adrian Wojnarowski, Charlotte has plans to move him before the trade deadline on Feb. 8. And if a good trade isn’t found, they will buy out his contract, freeing him up to join another team.
And a lot of teams will benefit from his experience and play.
In 37 games this season, he averaged 8.2 points on 42.6 percent shooting, 4 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game.
I think the perfect situation for him would be the Hornets buying out his contract so he can sign with the Toronto Raptors for the minimum deal.
The Raptors, like Charlotte, are also in rebuilding mode. But having a vet who knows the culture of the organization is never a bad thing.
He can mentor Scottie Barnes, R.J Barrett and Immanuel Quickly, teaching them how to lead, make plays, take charges and control the pace.
And more importantly, this would make me happy because it’ll be an awesome story:
The Greatest Raptor Of All Time reluctantly moves on to let the team rebuild. Then he comes back on a minimum deal years later -when they need him most- to guide the young squad to victory.
(See, epic story right?)
Additionally, he can just stay in Toronto until he decides to call it quits. He did say that he wanted to retire as a Raptor, afterall.
But there’s a super-high chance this won’t happen.
Lowry will most likely join a contender, like the Philadelphia 76ers or Los Angeles Clippers, and try to get his second championship ring.
Which is cool, I guess.
Anywhoo…
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