NBA Insider Marc Stein reported today that the Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Lakers, and Orlando Magic are interested in bringing in veteran point guard Kyle Lowry if the Charlotte Hornets buy him out.
NBA Rumors: 3 Teams Interested In Former Miami Heat Point Guard
Charlotte has reportedly been looking to move Lowry since acquiring him from the Miami Heat in exchange for Terry Rozier. Lowry has not played for the Hornets, as the franchise told him not to report. But there has been little happening on that front.
Lowry is on a $29.7 million expiring contract. If the Hornets buy Lowry out, it will be after the Feb. 8 trade deadline, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Charlotte (10-37) is looking to the future. The Hornets have lost six straight since trading Rozier. The Hornets also received a lottery-protected 2027 first-round pick from the Heat in the trade.
Lowry has seen his production drop the last two years. The 37-year-old averaged 8.2 points on 42.6% shooting and 1.7 3-pointers at a 38.5% clip over 28 minutes a game in 37 appearances, including 35 starts for the Heat this season. He also contributed 4.0 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.1 steals while committing 1.4 turnovers.
So, Lowry still has something left in the tank.
While Lowry is not the scorer that he was with the Toronto Raptors, when he made five straight all-star appearances, he is still a legitimate 3-point shooter and strong ball-handler. He is also a good distributor and a physical defender who loves to harass opposing point guards. Additionally, Lowry will bring his leadership skills to any team that acquires him.
Why Teams Want Lowry
Orland Magic
Orlando is having a fantastic year as the Magic sit sixth in the Eastern Conference with a 27-23 record. The Magic have won three straight. The Magic have relied on Markelle Fultz, Cole Anthony, and rookie Anthony Black to run the offense.
But the Magic have been looking for a viable starting point guard for years, according to Bleacher Reports’ Adam Wells.
Markelle Fultz and Cole Anthony have done well at times in a limited role, but their flaws get exposed when they’ve been asked to carry a heavier load.
Forward Paolo Banchero has been the Magic’s primary ball-handler, leading the team with five assists a game.
Orlando ranks in the bottom seven of the league in offensive rating. The Magic rank 25th in effective field goal percentage as they are last in 3-pointers with 10.1 3-pointers. They attempt the second-fewest at 31.1 3-pointers a game, and their 34.5% from deep is the third worst.
Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia needs to add depth in the backcourt, and Lowry is a Philly native.
Pat Beverley is Tyrese Maxey’s primary backup. While Beverley has played well, he doesn’t provide anything on the offensive end. The 76ers are also dealing with several injuries, including to De’Anthony Melton, which has hurt their depth. Melton has been out with a back injury since Jan. 12.
The Sixers rank 25th in assists, 26th in 3-pointers made, and 26th in 3-point attempts.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers are 26-25 and sit in ninth place in the Western Conference. On a two-game winning streak, the Lakers are one-and-one-half games clear of the 11th-place Houston Rockets.
Los Angeles needs another ball-handler. The Lakers brought in Gabe Vincent during the offseason, but he has only played five games and likely will be out until the end of February.
D’Angelo Russell has played well, but the Lakers have relied on LeBron James and Austin Reaves to run the offense when he rests.
