Raptors Reflect on Lowry Trade Regrets
Four years have passed since the Toronto Raptors made a significant decision to trade their franchise point guard, Kyle Lowry, to the Miami Heat. As time unfolds, the implications of that move continue to resonate, leading many to question whether the Raptors made the right choice.
The Weight of a Missed Opportunity
In a recent analysis, Zach Buckley highlighted the Raptors’ ongoing regret regarding the value they received in exchange for Lowry. “Give the Raptors a do-over for the 2021 trade deadline, and they might put Kenny Rogers’ ‘The Gambler’ on repeat before going into it,” Buckley remarked. His observations indicate that while there are instances where holding onto assets makes sense, the Raptors’ situation at the time clearly called for a different approach.
Despite the Raptors witnessing a downward spiral in the standings, they chose to retain Lowry, who was then 35 and headed for unrestricted free agency. This decision, as Buckley notes, meant passing up on a golden opportunity to capitalize on Lowry’s trade value.
Assessing the Trade Returns
In return for Lowry, the Raptors acquired Precious Achiuwa and Goran Dragic. Unfortunately, neither player made a lasting impact on the franchise. Dragic played a mere five games in the 2021-22 season before being traded to the San Antonio Spurs in exchange for Thaddeus Young, Drew Eubanks, and a second-round pick. Achiuwa, on the other hand, participated in 153 games over three seasons but was ultimately involved in a trade that sent him to the New York Knicks as part of the deal for OG Anunoby.
Originally, the Raptors had set their sights on sending Lowry to the Philadelphia 76ers, but their demands proved too steep. Buckley reported that Toronto aimed high, requesting “all of” Philadelphia’s 2021 and 2023 first-round picks, along with young talents Tyrese Maxey and Matisse Thybulle. However, the 76ers were unwilling to meet those demands, leaving the Raptors with a less-than-ideal outcome.
The Legacy of Lowry
The failure to secure a substantial return for Lowry is particularly disheartening given his immense contributions to the Raptors, including the franchise’s historic championship win in 2019. The absence of any of the assets acquired in the Lowry trade from the current roster underscores the challenges the team faces today.
As the Raptors prepare to face Lowry and the 76ers for the first time this season on November 8, the echoes of past decisions loom large. The franchise’s journey since the trade serves as a stark reminder of the complexities involved in managing player assets and the long-lasting impact of pivotal decisions in the world of sports.
