Recent speculation that veteran point guard Kyle Lowry would be landing with the Los Angeles Clippers in next month’s free agency has fallen by the wayside, with reports emerging of his staying put with his hometown team, the Philadelphia 76ers.
Marc Stein recently reported on his NBA insider webpage that Kyle Lowry is expected to opt for a new contract with the 76ers, citing sources close to the situation who say he will stay put amidst interest from other teams.
Interest comes from the Clippers, who have a similar interest in fellow veteran Chris Paul. After all, with Russell Westbrook holding a $4 million player option for the 2024-25 season, Los Angeles must at least consider every way possible to bolster their guard rotation. That said, Lowry continues to be steadfast about remaining in Philadelphia.
Lowry joined the Sixers in February after he was signed following a contract buyout by the Charlotte Hornets, who had traded for him with the Miami Heat. Joining the Sixers meant that Lowry was going to play for the team he grew up rooting for, but it also presented an opportunity for him to reunite with head coach Nick Nurse, as the two won an NBA championship in 2019 while playing for the Toronto Raptors.
In his time with the 76ers, Lowry played 23 games and started 20, averaging 8.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists an outing while shooting a very impressive 40.4 percent from beyond the arc. That brought even more value to his play during the playoffs, where he started all six of Philadelphia’s first-round games against New York.
Keeping Lowry would be giant for the Sixers, as he provides a veteran presence and a steady hand at backup point guard behind ascendant star Tyrese Maxey. Maxey, who originated his first All-Star selection and was chosen the NBA’s Most Improved Player this past season, is perceived by most as one of the keys to Philadelphia’s future success. His experience and leadership would come in very handy with the blossoming talent of Maxey, to make for a fearsome backcourt duo.
This makes the prospects of the honeymoon city in the upcoming season also dependent on the health of star center Joel Embiid. If Embiid stays fit, then the 76ers will most definitely end up becoming one of the stronger teams competing for the Eastern Conference title. Lowry’s decision to stay would surprisingly spike that probability since it gives depth and stability to their roster.
The feeling is Lowry will eventually re-sign with the 76ers; it’s a mutually needed relationship between player and franchise. Lowry’s return would mean continuity for a team aiming to break its long-standing drought and reach the conference finals for the first time since 2001.
Though interest from veteran guards in the Clips implies strategic interest in strengthening their lineup, Kyle Lowry’s immediate future does seem pretty tightly aligned with Philly. For a team like the 76ers, this could prove that keeping Lowry will be a key to their championship aspirations.
