The Toronto Raptors are still aggressively trying to get Kyle Lowry traded before the deadline in February. The point guard has been on the blocks for am onth now as Toronto continued to remain non-committal on the free-agent-to-be. As the wins continue to stack up, so does Lowry's trade value and several teams are still interested.
According to Sam Amico of FOX Sports, the Toronto Raptors still intend to trade Lowry before the deadline and the Indiana Pacers are looking very interested. Lowry would be an upgrade over George Hill as far as stats are concerned. Hill jumped on the scene in 2012, but his numbers have dipped this season. The Pacers are expected to contend for a title this season and getting Lowry would certainly help in that effort. The point guard could be the final piece to beat the Miami Heat.
The issue is creating a trade package that makes this deal worthwhile. The Pacers have been exploring trade deals for swingman Danny Granger. While the team has stated in the past they have no intentions of getting rid of Granger, teams are calling and the Pacers are listening. Could the Raptors try for a player swap?
Toronto would not have too much use for Granger. The team has really benefited from a strong development of second-year forward Terrence Ross. Since Rudy Gay was traded away, Ross has stepped in a reliable player. If the Raptors insisted on getting a point guard for a point guard, the Packers could package together Hill with backup CJ Watson. Hill is on the second-year of a five-year, $40 million contract that might be a big factor in the deal happening.
Toronto could easily back off any Lowry deals right before the deadline. It certainly would not be the first time that has happened. Lowry is set to be a free agent so the Raptors obviously want to avoid letting him walk away for nothing in return, but CBS Sports reports the team's asking price might be too high to make a deal happen.
The Raptors have been the surprise of the season as they continue to work their way through the Eastern Conference. Keeping Lowry would certainly help in the team's effort to make the playoffs.
