Just when it seemed like the Toronto Raptors would not be making any major moves before the trade deadline, general manager Masai Ujiri throws the plan out the window. The Toronto Raptors are playing well and most of that is due to Kyle Lowry. The point guard has been putting up a strong season especially since the trade rumors began to circulate. While many assumed the team would not move Lowry before the deadline, Ujiri will not rule it out.
The Raptors would ready to deal Lowry at the start of the season. The team was actively shopping the point guard to any team remotely interested. However, after trading Rudy Gay to the Sacramento Kings, Lowry was taken off the market. The team started to perform well, wins began to pile up and many assumed Lowry would not be moved anytime soon. However. Ujiri believes the team is still not good enough and if a trade can make them better then he will do it.
In an interview with TSN, Ujiri said nothing can be ruled out with the deadline just days away. He is well aware that interest is high in Lowry and if the right offer comes along, the team will make a move.
"I hate to comment about any player in that way, but I think we are not good enough so you have to keep it open," Ujiri said, via TSN.ca. "That's the honest answer. These guys have done pretty good. I know we've won a couple of games but we haven't done anything yet."
The Gay trade proved that Ujiri has some understanding of what he is doing. Since the move, the offense has appeared more cohesive as the Raptors have gone 21-12 since the deal. Lowry has been the centerpiece of the entire team. With 30 games left to play, the Raptors have found themselves at the top of the Atlantic Division while sitting third in the Eastern Conference. Ujiri must determine if he intends to rebuild or win. Trading Lowry wold signify a rebuilding effort.
"We try to study [but] we're not geniuses," Ujiri said. "You have to get lucky sometimes and I think we were lucky. It kind of came together in terms of chemistry. I always said since I came [to Toronto], the players will dictate where we go and the team will dictate where we go. That's kind of how it's been. So they're growing and you want it that way."
So who could still make a run at Lowry if he is available? The New York Knicks are the most likely option. The team had interest back in December, but both teams dragged their feet on the deal and nothing was done. The Knicks would likely offer up Iman Shumpert or Tim Hardaway Jr in a deal. New York has no draft picks to give up, but they have youth that Toronto would like. The Indiana Pacers could also be a landing spot before Feb. 20.
