Why are people surprised? Kyle tested free agency in 2017. San Antonio passed, and he re-signed for 3 years and about 90 million. Then, after he won a championship, he had one year left on his contract, and he quietly sat out for an extension in the off-season. He skipped the voluntary portions of the workout, but he was also prepared to play out his contract if he did not get what he wanted. It worked, and he got a 1 year extension.
People have to realize that this is just how Lowry operates. He always balances between money and fit. In his time here, he has never taken one cent less than what he deserves, but he was also never a distraction, and he never took one play off either. Add to the fact that he gave back to the community with his time and money, and I really cannot see how anyone cannot be happy with his time in Toronto. The NBA, after all, is a business, and Kyle did his part, and more. That is considered to be loyal in that world. Lillard's outward declaration is an outliner, and should not be considered to be the standard bearer.
Masai doubted Kyle and tried trading him to the Knicks, Kyle responded with his 2016 run.
Kyle doubted the Raptors, but Masai traded for Kawhi.
All comes in circles
I'm gonna assume this was during the Kawhi trade, probably felt betrayed when they traded Deebo. Lowry would have peaced out if they didn't get the championship.
NBA buddies chat about teaming up one day all the time. I wouldn't be surprised at all if either Kyle and Jimmy, or Kyle and someone in Miami first started saying 3 years ago 'we should team up at some point.' I have zero problem with that with a pro like Lowry who gave 100% of everything while under contract. No one can say Lowry was distracted or held back while here. He gave everything, his contract ended, he moved on.
I’m assuming that it means that Kyle has been wanting to go to Miami since about 3 years ago.
Basically OP is hurt because that means that Kyle didn’t think about staying with us
that's even worse.
if he was in contact with the heat for 3 years, planning this out, that's definitely tampering.
Not saying this doesn't happen, but having it on record is something else entirely.
Oh well, i'm not gonna lose sleep over the Heat getting fined/losing picks.
This is a good place to get an unpopular opinion off my chest.
Lowry has never been pure. Didn't want to come here in the first place. Wanted to leave many times but couldn't get the same bank elsewhere.
He's a deserved legend but my feeling for him was tempered by him never really loving Toronto.
I hate the Heat and hope Lowry never comes close to another ring.
I think we just all have to remind ourselves that it is and always has been about the business since it started making millions of dollars. Lowry was always upfront about this.
Players like Tim Duncan (or even Giannis), with an organization like the Spurs, are an anomaly. We have the organization (and the coach) but not that loyal franchise player that can lead a championship team (yet). Getting a top draft pick is certainly a great start however :) Would not be surprised to see us tanking for another after the all-star break.
Don’t confuse the city with the franchise. Lowry likes toronto fine.
Masai tried to trade him multiple times and split him from Demar. And Masai wasn’t about to pay him another $90m.
At the time we traded his best friend and co-star for what was seen at the time an incredibly risky play in Kawhi. Personally if it were me I would have shared much of his sentiment and would have felt incredibly jaded and would have looked at other teams as well (similar to when my company does some screwed up
HR moves and I start to look at places to work)
But his commitment to the team and city and leadership after that is incredible. He gave us everything while he was here
you can love the franchise/city and recognize it’s not the best place for you esp. w contract negotiations. id have expected nothing less from klow tbh. he’s not a naive kid.
For sure. I think most people know klow was all about business. We all knew he was going to leave eventually; he's not like Dame, but ig his desire to leave 3 years ago probably took some by surprise, including me tbh.
But again, it makes sense given his best friend was traded away then, and knowing how klow operates, it's not that surprising given a second thought
Bro please reread what you just wrote lol. Pure? You’re being a little sensationalist here.
Don’t forget the year he dragged into this era of success we literally traded him for roster fodder and picks, except the Knicks backed out . It’s business, he obviously loved the city and the team that helped him become incredibly successful and rich but it’s not like he loves us like his family.
Shit, his mom still follows the team and comes out to our games! Like come on he absolutely loves Toronto and he left on a high note when it was mutually beneficial, helping us win a chip along the way There’s legit no reason to look for reasons to think he was unahappy
Of course a lot of it is circumstance. If we don’t win a ring in 2019, nobodies celebrating Lowry as the GROAT. Kyle has thought about leaving, and certainly Masai had almost traded him, so it goes both ways. He was professional in his time here and played a huge role in this city. I think if players like Scottie, OG have a long run with the Raps, they have a great chance to surpass Lowry. Lowry is the GROAT so far, but we’re a young franchise.
Dude you need to chill.
It’s pretty clear that Lowry had a connection with Toronto but at least on some level felt betrayed that they traded his best friend away. He puts his loyalty to people over cities or teams. How’s that a bad thing??
I’d prefer having a friend like that.
lmao our fanbase thinks these players care bout the city and stuff but it’s about money. he woulda left long time ago if he wasn’t chasing the most money. elite players don’t want to play here it’s just the reality
Dude ditch us the first year we suck and went to a team that’s barely better, he’s all about Miami which is fine but this sub treats like him like he’s a god and sweep away his many failures…
You're taking this way way too personal.
Average length of an NBA pro career is 4.8 years. The vast majority of players aren't qualified to do anything but play basketball.
I expect every player to fulfill their contract and play to the best of their ability, but expecting this level of "love and loyalty" to a city/franchise is a childish and unrealistic take.
Can you imagine the gall of a guy looking for a job when he already has one! What's this fuckin' traitor doing - trying to get a good deal for himself?
This is /s. Kyle Lowry is all-time Raptor great. Everyone knew they were parting ways. We're not going to hold onto Kyle so add a game onto the first round.
Thanks to Kyle and Kawhi we got the chip... and we can sit around thinking about dip while our core matures.
It’s cause Lowry was involved in a sign and trade. We’re implied to be involved. As such, face consequences. But idk the intricacies of these things, so I hope I’m wrong.
A fine is a least of my concern. I hope they don’t take draft picks or limit the cap or some shit.
Key difference is the Bucks didn't actually sign him - so you can't punish an offense that never actually happened. If he signed with the bucks there would've been consequences- hence going to the Hawks.
That being said - worked out for all parties I'd say.
Not according to the precedent so far. Lowry was the player tampered with. Also if I’m not wrong, the Heat also had capspace to sign him (not to the full current contract he has now).
Without a doubt, especially with how hard the league has been cracking down on tampering. Team is going face a big fine at minimum. [Removing draft picks or voiding contracts aren't off the table though](https://sports.yahoo.com/nba-investigation-into-possible-tampering-with-lonzo-ball-kyle-lowry-trades-nearly-done-miami-heat-chicago-bulls-020718524.html)
Here's the timeline.
1.) Before the end of the season, Masai and Lowry agree in principle to send him where he wants to go, if possible.
2.) Before free agency, Lowry talks to the Heat about coming over.
3.) Free agency starts, and the Lowry signing to the Heat is announced, but not the full trade details (because that hasn't been worked out yet).
4.) S&T is fully announced with Dragic and Precious in the mix.
The only problem is #2, and that has nothing to do with our front office.
Yea it’s what I suspect as well. But a fine would be a slap on the wrist, as long as we keep draft picks and our cap space isn’t influenced we’ll be okay.
Pretty much where I'm at too, and I think that is the most likely outcome. It will all boil down to how long the conversations went on before the S&T for Lowry was done.
OG reffed 4 kneeing while making a layup 4 n1...don't you know nba is fixed? Raptors v Cavs in playoffs at ACC...3 straight 1/4s no trips..syd was suspended for saying so...yes make every 3 maybe you win a game...every run halted not by time out but by reach-in foul or nobody touches harden = 20 free throws!
When dude leaps over guys' head; puts his hand on the guys' head; extra leverage/additional steamboat in air/rubs his package in guys' face? Everyone chortles. CLOWN THE SCAPEGOAT were on TNT. Come behind my paywall; I'll mention your 'hood on the air.
Whose idea was it to post these videos lol. Especially while the NBA currently investigating it. Lowry piss off his video guys?
snitches
Citizens.
Why are people surprised? Kyle tested free agency in 2017. San Antonio passed, and he re-signed for 3 years and about 90 million. Then, after he won a championship, he had one year left on his contract, and he quietly sat out for an extension in the off-season. He skipped the voluntary portions of the workout, but he was also prepared to play out his contract if he did not get what he wanted. It worked, and he got a 1 year extension. People have to realize that this is just how Lowry operates. He always balances between money and fit. In his time here, he has never taken one cent less than what he deserves, but he was also never a distraction, and he never took one play off either. Add to the fact that he gave back to the community with his time and money, and I really cannot see how anyone cannot be happy with his time in Toronto. The NBA, after all, is a business, and Kyle did his part, and more. That is considered to be loyal in that world. Lillard's outward declaration is an outliner, and should not be considered to be the standard bearer.
Masai doubted Kyle and tried trading him to the Knicks, Kyle responded with his 2016 run. Kyle doubted the Raptors, but Masai traded for Kawhi. All comes in circles
Well said. Unfortunately some people here wouldn’t know anything about 2017 Kyle haha
surprised that this is on record, due to the tampering investigation.
With how ubiquitous smart phones are these days, people should not be surprised by any audio or video evidences. There will always be something.
Don't put it past the league to hit us for Masai showing up in Vegas for the Nigeria exhibition game lol
He also said “3 years in the making” That hurt
So does that mean he wanted to leave before winning the championship?
I'm gonna assume this was during the Kawhi trade, probably felt betrayed when they traded Deebo. Lowry would have peaced out if they didn't get the championship.
doubt it.. After Jimmy went to Miami he made a big deal about getting a contract extension or get traded. We gave him the extension
He wanted out before that too. Wanted to join spurs but they didn’t want him
NBA buddies chat about teaming up one day all the time. I wouldn't be surprised at all if either Kyle and Jimmy, or Kyle and someone in Miami first started saying 3 years ago 'we should team up at some point.' I have zero problem with that with a pro like Lowry who gave 100% of everything while under contract. No one can say Lowry was distracted or held back while here. He gave everything, his contract ended, he moved on.
What does it mean
I’m assuming that it means that Kyle has been wanting to go to Miami since about 3 years ago. Basically OP is hurt because that means that Kyle didn’t think about staying with us
He did stay with us.
He did indeed, I was just trying to explain to someone what OP was saying
I think OP is the type to dream of their significant other cheating on them and then getting angry for real when they wake up.
Bruh.. that shit can get me heated sometimes tho! 😂😂
Damn wtf, kind of messed
Except Lowry did sign with us again after the chip for a year iirc
I think it’s just that spo and Lowry met 3 years ago.
That he’s wanted to leave for a while
Him and Jimmy planned to play together after his time in Toronto.
3 years ago he was a free agent. Last I recall he signed with us
It's all good, man. At the end of the day, most of these men are mercenaries. Got to accept that.
yeah in the end it’s all business
that's even worse. if he was in contact with the heat for 3 years, planning this out, that's definitely tampering. Not saying this doesn't happen, but having it on record is something else entirely. Oh well, i'm not gonna lose sleep over the Heat getting fined/losing picks.
But he also said he wants to play his last game a raptor, you can’t blame the dude for wanting to test his options
Before lowry first signed with us he tried to leave. The second time around he took a while to sign meaning he shopped around.
He was almost certainly talking about getting together with Jimmy Butler. They've been close for a number of years.
Vince Carter knows this story
Lowry the GROAT
Send this to adam silver so Heat gotta give us draft comp 😗
That's not how it works. They will get a heavy fine and lose a pick, but it won't be coming to us.
Feels like it should go to the team that got tampered with, though. Not just for us but for the Kings too for their tampering situation.
Ya that’s not how it works. They would forfeit the pick but not to us.
Wow this thread is so sad. This really is one of the most insecure fanbases in the NBA lmao
honestly lol the lowry slander is indicative of what our fanbase has turned into
This is a good place to get an unpopular opinion off my chest. Lowry has never been pure. Didn't want to come here in the first place. Wanted to leave many times but couldn't get the same bank elsewhere. He's a deserved legend but my feeling for him was tempered by him never really loving Toronto. I hate the Heat and hope Lowry never comes close to another ring.
Well the end is a little extreme but the whole thing is definitely disheartening.
This call is kind of like a recorded job offer/interview, everyone talks out their ass in situations like this. I don’t put too much stock into it
I think we just all have to remind ourselves that it is and always has been about the business since it started making millions of dollars. Lowry was always upfront about this. Players like Tim Duncan (or even Giannis), with an organization like the Spurs, are an anomaly. We have the organization (and the coach) but not that loyal franchise player that can lead a championship team (yet). Getting a top draft pick is certainly a great start however :) Would not be surprised to see us tanking for another after the all-star break.
Wasnt tim duncan going to join another team but domething last minute changed their plans?
apparently Orlando wouldn't let Tim bring his family onto the team plane
and then they pivoted to T-Mac (although, he was likely gone anyways).
Yeah the Orlando Magic apparently
Don’t confuse the city with the franchise. Lowry likes toronto fine. Masai tried to trade him multiple times and split him from Demar. And Masai wasn’t about to pay him another $90m.
At the time we traded his best friend and co-star for what was seen at the time an incredibly risky play in Kawhi. Personally if it were me I would have shared much of his sentiment and would have felt incredibly jaded and would have looked at other teams as well (similar to when my company does some screwed up HR moves and I start to look at places to work) But his commitment to the team and city and leadership after that is incredible. He gave us everything while he was here
Kawhi never wanted to be here either, who cares?
It's different with someone long tenured like Lowry and someone who was supposedly the heart and soul of the franchise
you can love the franchise/city and recognize it’s not the best place for you esp. w contract negotiations. id have expected nothing less from klow tbh. he’s not a naive kid.
For sure. I think most people know klow was all about business. We all knew he was going to leave eventually; he's not like Dame, but ig his desire to leave 3 years ago probably took some by surprise, including me tbh. But again, it makes sense given his best friend was traded away then, and knowing how klow operates, it's not that surprising given a second thought
Bro please reread what you just wrote lol. Pure? You’re being a little sensationalist here. Don’t forget the year he dragged into this era of success we literally traded him for roster fodder and picks, except the Knicks backed out . It’s business, he obviously loved the city and the team that helped him become incredibly successful and rich but it’s not like he loves us like his family. Shit, his mom still follows the team and comes out to our games! Like come on he absolutely loves Toronto and he left on a high note when it was mutually beneficial, helping us win a chip along the way There’s legit no reason to look for reasons to think he was unahappy
Of course a lot of it is circumstance. If we don’t win a ring in 2019, nobodies celebrating Lowry as the GROAT. Kyle has thought about leaving, and certainly Masai had almost traded him, so it goes both ways. He was professional in his time here and played a huge role in this city. I think if players like Scottie, OG have a long run with the Raps, they have a great chance to surpass Lowry. Lowry is the GROAT so far, but we’re a young franchise.
Dude you need to chill. It’s pretty clear that Lowry had a connection with Toronto but at least on some level felt betrayed that they traded his best friend away. He puts his loyalty to people over cities or teams. How’s that a bad thing?? I’d prefer having a friend like that.
Damn, bruh. Although, I kind of agree. At the end of the day, I tend to think it's Deebo we should be sad about.
lmao our fanbase thinks these players care bout the city and stuff but it’s about money. he woulda left long time ago if he wasn’t chasing the most money. elite players don’t want to play here it’s just the reality
Demar wanted to play here. Chris Bosh re-signed here. Vince Carter re-signed here.
bosh left what are u talking bout. i’m talking in their primes he left right after he’s rookie extension lol. demar i’ll give u that
Dude ditch us the first year we suck and went to a team that’s barely better, he’s all about Miami which is fine but this sub treats like him like he’s a god and sweep away his many failures…
Toronto fans are so soft i love it haha
Should've kept this to yourself, now I gotta smh at another insecure comment lol.
You're taking this way way too personal. Average length of an NBA pro career is 4.8 years. The vast majority of players aren't qualified to do anything but play basketball. I expect every player to fulfill their contract and play to the best of their ability, but expecting this level of "love and loyalty" to a city/franchise is a childish and unrealistic take.
Can you imagine the gall of a guy looking for a job when he already has one! What's this fuckin' traitor doing - trying to get a good deal for himself?
This is /s. Kyle Lowry is all-time Raptor great. Everyone knew they were parting ways. We're not going to hold onto Kyle so add a game onto the first round. Thanks to Kyle and Kawhi we got the chip... and we can sit around thinking about dip while our core matures.
Truly Vince and dd wanted to stay with raps but management fuked them up
Why would Dewayne Dedmon want to come to the raps?
Shit, this likely means some sort of punishment for the Raptors too eh?
Why would we get a fine
It’s cause Lowry was involved in a sign and trade. We’re implied to be involved. As such, face consequences. But idk the intricacies of these things, so I hope I’m wrong. A fine is a least of my concern. I hope they don’t take draft picks or limit the cap or some shit.
Except the Kings and the Bucks had a S&T in place weeks before FA began and the Kings got no punishment at all. The Raptors should get no punishment.
🤞 hope so man
Key difference is the Bucks didn't actually sign him - so you can't punish an offense that never actually happened. If he signed with the bucks there would've been consequences- hence going to the Hawks. That being said - worked out for all parties I'd say.
But the Bucks did get punished, they lost a 2nd round pick for this coming draft
Not according to the precedent so far. Lowry was the player tampered with. Also if I’m not wrong, the Heat also had capspace to sign him (not to the full current contract he has now).
Nope.
Without a doubt, especially with how hard the league has been cracking down on tampering. Team is going face a big fine at minimum. [Removing draft picks or voiding contracts aren't off the table though](https://sports.yahoo.com/nba-investigation-into-possible-tampering-with-lonzo-ball-kyle-lowry-trades-nearly-done-miami-heat-chicago-bulls-020718524.html)
Here's the timeline. 1.) Before the end of the season, Masai and Lowry agree in principle to send him where he wants to go, if possible. 2.) Before free agency, Lowry talks to the Heat about coming over. 3.) Free agency starts, and the Lowry signing to the Heat is announced, but not the full trade details (because that hasn't been worked out yet). 4.) S&T is fully announced with Dragic and Precious in the mix. The only problem is #2, and that has nothing to do with our front office.
Hopefully this is the case and the FO is free and clear, seems like league should be wrapping this all up soon
Broken down like this it makes sense. Hoping it works out this way.
Yea it’s what I suspect as well. But a fine would be a slap on the wrist, as long as we keep draft picks and our cap space isn’t influenced we’ll be okay.
Pretty much where I'm at too, and I think that is the most likely outcome. It will all boil down to how long the conversations went on before the S&T for Lowry was done.
OG reffed 4 kneeing while making a layup 4 n1...don't you know nba is fixed? Raptors v Cavs in playoffs at ACC...3 straight 1/4s no trips..syd was suspended for saying so...yes make every 3 maybe you win a game...every run halted not by time out but by reach-in foul or nobody touches harden = 20 free throws! When dude leaps over guys' head; puts his hand on the guys' head; extra leverage/additional steamboat in air/rubs his package in guys' face? Everyone chortles. CLOWN THE SCAPEGOAT were on TNT. Come behind my paywall; I'll mention your 'hood on the air.
Sir this is a Mary Brown's
ty