Raptors appear set to keep Kyle Lowry
The Toronto Raptors are showing significant resistance to trading point guard Kyle Lowry and appear determined to keep him as they pursue a postseason berth, league sources told Yahoo Sports.
"We've heard it from [Toronto] that he won't be moved," a rival front office executive told Yahoo Sports.
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While there are never absolutes – especially if a team makes an unexpectedly rich offer – Toronto officials and sources close to Lowry have emphasized lately that Lowry appears destined to finish the season with the Atlantic Division-leading Raptors.
The NBA's trade deadline is February 20.
Lowry has had the most productive season of his career, carrying a strong leadership load and averaging 16.7 points and 7.5 assists. Toronto risks losing Lowry without compensation to free agency this summer.
Lowry, 27, could demand a free-agent deal in the four-year, $45-million range based upon his revival with the Raptors.
Lowry was part of multiple trade discussions earlier in the season, but Toronto GM Masai Ujiri could never muster the combination of a young player and a draft pick to settle on a deal.
The Raptors are 27-24, leading the Atlantic Division by three games over the Brooklyn Nets.
