**Kyle Lowry to Retire as a Toronto Raptor with One-Day Contract**
Kyle Lowry, a prominent figure in the NBA for two decades, is set to sign a one-day contract with the Toronto Raptors, allowing him to retire with the franchise that defined his career. This announcement was reported by Sportsnet on Friday.
Lowry, now 40 years old, was originally drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies as the 24th overall pick in the 2006 NBA Draft. His journey in the league began in Memphis, but it was his time in Toronto that solidified his status as a basketball star. In 2009, he was traded to the Houston Rockets in a three-team deal that involved several players and draft picks. However, it was a trade to the Raptors before the 2012-13 season that marked the turning point of his career.
During his nine seasons with the Raptors, Lowry became an integral part of the team, earning six consecutive All-Star selections from 2014 to 2020. He played a pivotal role in leading Toronto to its first-ever NBA Championship in the 2018-19 season, a historic achievement for the franchise. Over his tenure in Toronto, Lowry established himself as the all-time leader in several key statistical categories, including 3-point field goals (1,518), assists (4,277), and steals (873). He ranks second in franchise history for minutes played and games played, trailing only DeMar DeRozan, another Raptors legend.
Following his successful stint in Toronto, Lowry was traded to the Miami Heat prior to the 2021-22 season. He later signed with the Philadelphia 76ers, his hometown team, but his time there was brief, as he played only 72 games over two-plus seasons.
Throughout his career, Lowry has averaged 13.8 points, 6.0 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.3 steals across 1,187 games. His impact on the court was particularly notable during his time with the Raptors, where he averaged 17.5 points, 7.1 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game in 601 appearances.
In addition to his NBA accomplishments, Lowry also represented the United States in international competition, winning a gold medal at the 2016 Olympics.
The Toronto Raptors have scheduled a news conference for Tuesday, where Lowry is expected to officially sign the one-day contract and announce his retirement. This event marks a significant moment not only in Lowry's career but also in the history of the Raptors franchise, as they honor one of their most celebrated players.