With the news this morning that the defending champion Raptors and Kyle Lowry have reportededly struck a deal to keep him in Toronto for one more year, let’s do a little cheer. Even at a $31 million, Lowry’s price for the 2020-21 season, the contract is a great bit of business for both player and team.
In the short term, the reasoning here is obvious. The Raptors get to keep an All-Star point guard and basketball genius on their team as its out and out leader. Even if Lowry was injured on the bench, this is a good investment, as having him around as a guide, mentor, totem, what-have-you, is better than not having him — especially in the post-championship glow as the Raptors’ younger players continue to develop their place in the league.