Story by
Kyle Lowry to sign 1-day contract to retire with Raptors
- Story by
- Kyle Lowry to sign 1-day contract to retire with Raptors
Kyle Lowry to sign 1-day contract to retire with Raptors appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
Kyle Lowry is set to close the book on one of the greatest careers in Toronto Raptors history. According to Sportsnet's Michael Grange, Lowry will sign a one-day contract with the Raptors, allowing him to officially retire with the franchise where he became a six-time All-Star, NBA champion and the face of the organization's most successful era.
Advertisement
Lowry arrived in Toronto in July 2012 after the Houston Rockets traded him to the Raptors. What began as a change of scenery quickly evolved into one of the most impactful player-franchise relationships in NBA history. After initially competing for playing time, Lowry developed into the Raptors' starting point guard and emerged as one of the Eastern Conference's premier floor generals.
His leadership helped transform Toronto from a perennial lottery team into a consistent contender, earning multiple All-Star selections and All-NBA honors along the way. The Raptors reached new heights during Lowry's tenure. Toronto set a franchise record for regular-season victories during the 2017-18 campaign before taking the next step one year later.
Following the acquisition of Kawhi Leonard ahead of the 2018-19 season, Lowry helped guide the Raptors to the first NBA championship in franchise history. His veteran leadership, playmaking and defensive intensity proved instrumental throughout the postseason as Toronto defeated the Golden State Warriors in six games to capture the 2019 NBA title.
Lowry remained with the Raptors through the 2020-21 season before departing in free agency to join the Miami Heat in 2021, bringing an end to a nine-year run that cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players ever to wear a Toronto uniform. Now, the franchise icon is returning one final time.
Advertisement
The timing is particularly fitting after Toronto reunited with Leonard earlier this offseason, bringing back another cornerstone of the Raptors' championship team. While Leonard is returning to continue playing, Lowry's one-day contract serves as a ceremonial ending to a career that helped redefine basketball in Toronto.
Related: Raptors' Collin Murray-Boyles chooses new jersey number after stellar rookie season
Related: Raptors add Kyle Anderson on 1-year deal after Kawhi Leonard trade
