Kyle Lowry formalized his retirement Tuesday by signing a one-day contract with the Toronto Raptors, allowing the six-time All-Star to end his playing career with the franchise he helped steer to its first NBA championship.
The club said Lowry’s No. 7 jersey will be retired during a weekend of events scheduled for September 19. President Bobby Webster credited the veteran guard with shaping the organization’s identity through toughness and unselfish play.
Lowry and his wife, Ayahna Cornish-Lowry, also joined the ownership group of the WNBA’s Toronto Tempo, the team announced.
DeRozan Reunion Unlikely
Multiple league sources told Sportsnet’s Michael Grange that a return by DeMar DeRozan to Toronto is improbable. The Raptors have limited cap flexibility, and DeRozan is expected to draw interest elsewhere. Toronto is believed to prefer adding a wing with stronger three-point shooting if it makes another move.
Roster Outlook
Eric Koreen of The Athletic noted the roster still lacks perimeter shooting, additional ball-handling and depth behind center Jakob Poeltl. Toronto already has 13 standard contracts and, because it is near the first apron of the luxury tax, is not expected to carry a 15th player to start the season.
G League Leadership Changes
The Raptors 905, Toronto’s NBA G League affiliate, promoted Scott Brown Jr. to general manager and named Noah Lewis head coach. Brown previously served as assistant GM; Lewis was a player development coach with the parent club.
Source: Hoops Rumors
