Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry opted out of his contract to become a free agent this offseason, which doesn't come as a surprise. By doing so, he is eligible to re-sign with the Raptors on a five-year max deal worth over $200 million. However, multiple reports indicate that Lowry plans to legitimately test the open market this summer and may leave Toronto. Get notifications on your phone all the big free agency moves - download the Chat Sports iPhone app or Chat Sports Android app today!
Here are the five teams that have the best chance to sign him:
5) New York Knicks
Lowry was very nearly traded to the Knicks in 2013 before the deal fell apart at the last minute, and there remains at least some interest form both sides. New York is debating on whether they will start a rebuild this offseason (which will largely depend on if they can trade Carmelo Anthony) and did pick French point guard Frank Ntilikina with the No. 8 pick, but there is still interest from both sides.
If they are unable to trade Anthony, they could try to sign Lowry and make a playoff push.
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4) Philadelphia 76ers
Lowry is a Philadelphia native, and the Sixers were planning to make a run at him before they traded up to draft Markelle Fultz. They plan to play Ben Simmons at point guard with Fultz at shooting guard, and even though Fultz is listed at point guard, Philly could be contemplating a scenario where they go with a lineup of Lowry, Fultz, Saric, Simmons and Embiid, moving Simmons back to forward.
The biggest advantage the 76ers have is a bunch of cap space. If they go after him, they will offer him a max deal, no questions asked. Playing with all of their young pieces may be appealing to Lowry - it simply depends on if he wants to go to an immediate contender or serve as a mentor for Philly as they grow into one.
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3) San Antonio Spurs
There is a very real possibility that Tony Parker has played his last NBA game, and even if he returns next year, the Spurs need to start looking for a replacement. Enter Lowry, who would form a very capable Big 3 with Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge. San Antonio has been a player in free agency the last few years and are expected to be that again. They likely won't be able to (or want to) offer Lowry a max deal, making this the biggest indicator of how much Lowry wants to win (depending on where else he signs, of course).
San Antonio plans to pursue Chris Paul first, with Lowry being a backup option if they strike out on him. Will waiting hurt their chances?
2) Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota does plan to pursue Lowry, who suddenly have become a legitimate contender for his services after trading for Jimmy Butler. If Lowry chooses to join Butler, Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns, the Timberwolves would become one of the better teams in the Western Conference. Lowry will certainly listen to Minnesota's pitch and they will offer him a max contract - will it be enough?
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1) Toronto Raptors
However, when all is said and done, the Raptors are still the favorite to re-sign him. Lowry has said he wants to "quickly re-sign" with Toronto in the past, and they can offer him the extra year and more money than anyone else. The determining factor may be if Lowry thinks he can win a championship - or at least compete for one - with the Raptors.