NBA player Kyle Lowry has made a decision about his career. He will retire from the league after 20 years, and he will return to a former team for a special ceremony.
Videos by FanBuzz
According to Michael Grange of Sportsnet, Lowry will sign a one-day contract with the Toronto Raptors. He and the team will hold an event on July 7 to officially announce his retirement. They will also fulfill a promise made before the 2021-22 season.
Grange notes that Lowry said before a trade sent him to the Miami Heat that he would sign a one-day contract with the Toronto Raptors once his career officially ended. Now, he will make that move.
This reunion is significant considering the impact Lowry made on the NBA team during his career. He joined the Raptors during his seventh season in the league, and he kicked off the most productive portion of his career.
Lowry earned all six of his All-Star appearances during his time in Toronto while playing in 601 games. He averaged 17.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 7.1 assists. He also played in 24 playoff games in 2018-19, leading the league, while helping the Raptors win the title.
Lowry is the team's franchise leader in assists, steals, three-pointers made, and playoff games won. He is expected to join Vince Carter as the only former Raptors to have their jerseys retired by the franchise.
The time with the Raptors made Lowry a legend with the franchise. He also made an impact with multiple other organizations and as a member of Team USA. He won a gold medal with the men's Olympic team in 2016.
The Pennsylvania native played for five teams during his career. He kicked off his time in the NBA with the Memphis Grizzlies (2006-09), and then he headed to the Houston Rockets (2009-12). Once he left Toronto, he played for the Miami Heat (2021-24).
Lowry closed out his career with his hometown team, the Philadelphia 76ers. He joined the team midway through the 2023-24 season, and then he remained there through this past season. He stepped foot onto the court for the final time during a 106-93 playoff win over the Boston Celtics.
