After years of playoff success, the Toronto Raptors became an afterthought in 2020-21.
Playing their home games in Tampa, losing talent and depth in the off-season, dealing with injuries and illness — there was never a chance for the Raptors to rally, as they did in the Bubble, and show that championship DNA.
While his team floundered in the sad morass of mediocrity, though, Kyle Lowry was certainly a focal point for the rest of the NBA — especially leading up to the trade deadline. On an expiring contract, this season’s deadline was the last chance the Raptors had to cash in on their veteran without risking him walking for nothing this off-season.