The Raptors ended up being an early signal of the coming shift as Masai Ujiri negotiated extensions with both Kyle Lowry and Pascal Siakam. Ujiri willingly conceding spending power, albeit to retain two pivotal members of their championship team, helped clarify how little many front offices cared about maximizing 2020 cap space. It was unsurprising to see less flexible front offices like the 76ers (Ben Simmons) and Nets (Caris LeVert and Taurean Prince) lock up young players ahead of restricted free agency, but a group of teams that includes the Raptors, Grizzlies (Dillon Brooks) and Kings (Buddy Hield) deliberately gave up cap space, and that meaningfully reduced the league-wide spending power this summer.
Kyle Lowry Rumors
All NBA Players
Position: G
Born: 03/25/86
Height: 6-0 / 1.83
Weight:205 lbs. / 93 kg.
Salary: $33,296,296
Born: 03/25/86
Height: 6-0 / 1.83
Weight:205 lbs. / 93 kg.
Salary: $33,296,296
Eric Walden: Donovan Mitchell: “I’m not ‘Donovan Mitchell from the Utah Jazz’ right now; I’m Donovan Mitchell, 13-year-old.’ I’m like, ‘That’s Kyle Lowry!’ you know? … I’m really focused on the moment now … just happy to be here and enjoying the experience.”
The Raps coaching staff will lead Team Giannis, with both Siakam and Kyle Lowry, chosen a reserve guard. “I’m going to be more happy for Pascal,” Lowry said when asked how it felt to get his sixth all-star nod.
Raptors general manager Bobby Webster offered a look that embodies the franchise’s philosophy on players. “Whatever improbable story you have and this is what’s inspiring about it, if you don’t put limits on whatever you’re working on — with certain character, certain work ethic, who you are as a person — there is no limit on what you can do,” Webster said. “ … We’re definitely not going to put a limit on him now.” Teammate Kyle Lowry, who will play with Siakam in Chicago, said: “His rookie year, I believed in him then. I saw how much he wanted it.”
Eric Smith: Nurse says Lowry is going to give it a shot tonight.
Kawhi Leonard (L.A. Clippers); Damian Lillard (Portland Trail Blazers); Brook Lopez (Milwaukee Bucks); Kevin Love (Cleveland Cavaliers); Kyle Lowry (Toronto Raptors); JaVale McGee (Los Angeles Lakers); Khris Middleton (Milwaukee Bucks); Donovan Mitchell (Utah Jazz); Victor Oladipo (Indiana Pacers); Chris Paul (Oklahoma City Thunder); Mason Plumlee (Denver Nuggets); Marcus Smart (Boston Celtics); Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics); Klay Thompson (Golden State Warriors); Myles Turner (Indiana Pacers); Kemba Walker (Boston Celtics); Russell Westbrook (Houston Rockets); and Derrick White (San Antonio Spurs).
Eric Koreen: No Lowry tonight but not thought to be serious
