NBA Trade Rumors: Raptors considering parting ways with Kyle Lowry

As we approach the NBA All-Star break, some juicy new trade rumors are formulating as teams look to reassess their short and long term plans.

Let’s take a look at some of the more interesting rumors to hit the airwaves this week.

Is Kyle Lowry's time in Toronto coming to an end?

No players have been more integral to the Toronto Raptors’ rise to relevance than Kyle Lowry. The gritty point guard is a six-time All-Star, an NBA champion, and an underrated piece on a team that has contended in the Eastern Conference since his arrival. Lowry is now 34, however, and having arguably his worst season in recent history at a big price tag.

The Raptors have moved on from their championship season with Kawhi Leonard, and if they want to remain near the top of the Eastern Conference they need to focus on their younger players. With Fred VanVleet emerging to an even more impressive degree this season, it looks like the time has come for the Raptors to part ways with their longtime star and allocate playing time and salary to a younger option.

While Lowry’s contract makes him unappealing for many, he does still present value to teams like the Miami Heat, Los Angeles Clippers, and his hometown Philadelphia 76ers, who may be looking for immediate help in pursuit of a championship in 2021.

Bulls have Lonzo Ball in their sights

The Chicago Bulls continue to be a focal point of many trade talks, both as potential buyers and sellers, and their latest target is New Orleans Pelicans guard Lonzo Ball.

The Bulls have Zach LaVine scoring points at a prolific rate, but they need him to focus on scoring, not leading the offense. LaVine turns the ball over far too often to be relied upon as a primary point guard, and it isn’t the role that best suits the overall team anyway. The Bulls’ other primary point guard option is Coby White, but he too needs to improve his assist-to-turnover rate to have a truly positive on this roster.

Celtics looking to make moves

The Boston Celtics have made it clear that they have a couple untouchable players on their roster in Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, but the rest of the roster is potentially available. General manager Danny Ainge is one of the more strategic and clever roster manipulators in the league, and will part with starters or first-round picks if it gives them a better chance to compete in the East.

With the Brooklyn Nets, Milwaukee Bucks, and Philadelphia 76ers all looking more dangerous, the Celtics need to upgrade their wing and/or big man positions to have a chance in 2021. Fortunately for Ainge, he has a deep roster full of good contracts and tradeable pieces, so he’s well-positioned to make a move. Indiana Pacers big man, Myles Turner, would certainly be a headline-making acquisition.

Jeremy Lamb

The Indiana Pacers forfeited their immediate championship aspirations after sending Victor Oladipo to the Houston Rockets. Will they deal Jeremy Lamb next? The 28-year-old wing has enjoyed a lengthy NBA career, and has ample experience both starting and coming off the bench.

For a team like the Los Angeles Lakers, who could always use more bench scoring and long-range shooting prowess, Lamb may be a good fit. The Lakers have good size and talent with LeBron James, Montrezl Harrell, Anthony Davis, Marc Gasol, and Markieff Morris, but a talented wing like Lamb would be a nice addition for the favorites in the West.