Kyle Lowry had a chance to win an NBA title by joining LeBron James and the Miami Heat in 2014-15.
Instead he did something that James has yet to do. Commit to his current team.
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USA TODAY Sports reported Wednesday night that Lowry - one of the more sought-after free-agents on the market - agreed to four-year, $48 million contract to remain with the Toronto Raptors. Lowry will be able to sign the deal on July 10.
The 28-year-old Lowry averaged 17.9 points, 7.4 assists and 4.7 rebounds for Toronto in 2013-14 and led the Raptors to a 48-34 record. The Heat were presumed to be one of the top candidates for his services, but he never gave the team the opportunity to make a pitch to lure him.
The Houston Rockets, where he played for 3 ½ years, also expressed an interest in bringing him back, but he decided to stay where he flourished last season.
Lowry's decision is another sign that Heat team president Pat Riley may not be able to significantly upgrade the team's talent roster, which leaves the decisions by James, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade up in the air.
James is seeking a max contract, and Bosh and Wade are not so eager to take the pay cuts that they were reportedly on board with in keeping the three stars together in Miami.
The union of James, Bosh and Wade was supposed to lure free agents, who wanted a chance at an NBA ring. But with Lowry refusing to make contact with the Heat, James is pull is not nearly as strong as the Heat front office was hoping.
Meanwhile, Lowry stays on a team that includes power forward Amir Johnson. The Raptors are hoping that they can form a nucleus to help them contend for championships.
Does Kyle Lowry's intention to remain with the Toronto Raptors create doubt that the Miami Heat can attract enough free agents to keep James from signing elsewhere? Comment below or tell us @SportsWN.
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