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Raptors fans stunned, delighted Kyle Lowry wasn't moved at NBA trade deadline
As the NBA trade deadline slowly passed after a soul-draining 48 hours for Raptors fans, franchise icon Kyle Lowry isn't going anywhere after all, and everyone is stunned.
It seemed to be all but a guarantee that Lowry would be moved, with rumblings growing especially strong over the last week as the Raptors continued to plummet down the Eastern Conference standings and teams like the Clippers, 76ers, Lakers and Heat started making serious inquiries — with the latter three emerging as favourites to land Lowry right to the very end.
When the deadline came and went, however, it was all crickets until a few minutes after 3 p.m. Toronto time, when Adrian Wojnarowski broke the news that broke Raptors Twitter, posting: "The Raptors are keeping Kyle Lowry, source tells ESPN."
With those nine, sizzling words, Woj kicked off a chaotic post-deadline frenzy as Raptors fans try to process this dizzying outcome. Most (basically all), were absolutely delighted that Kyle wasn't moved for an underwhelming package and smitten at the possibility of the franchise legend re-signing with the Raps and finishing his career in Toronto.
— i. (@_nopename) March 25, 2021
Almost trading Lowry is a tried and true strategy for the raptors good things always come from it
— William Lou (@william_lou) March 25, 2021
Kyle Lowry is the Toronto Raptors
— H (@itsHarnoor__) March 25, 2021
MOOD pic.twitter.com/4xClHbMqYs
— Andy (@_rallycap) March 25, 2021
I wanna get vaccinated ASAP so that I can give Kyle Lowry a big ol' smooch!
— Paul Frank (@pwgfrank) March 25, 2021
Kyle Lowry is gonna mentor Gary Trent Jr and turn him into a serious dawg
— Danny⭕️H (@iamdannyoh) March 25, 2021
Raptors fans were in an absolute frenzy leading up to Thursday’s NBA trade deadline with both Lowry and home-grown guard Norman Powell entangled in numerous trade rumours.
For the latter, at least, those rumours came to a halt just after Noon on Thursday as Powell was dealt to the Portland Trail Blazers for Gary Trent Jr. and Rodney Hood.
Losing Powell was tough for Raptors fans as the 27-year-old has spent his entire six-year career with Toronto. Making matters even more difficult was Powell’s strong play this year. His 19.6 points-per-game and 43.9 percent three-point shooting are both career bests.
NORM POWELL FOREVER MAN pic.twitter.com/9WY1mIrPid
— Sid (@KashmiriChai32) March 25, 2021
Emotional eating in high gear right now. 🥲 https://t.co/xoQ6MEpi9I
— Osmow's (@Osmows) March 25, 2021
THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING NBA CHAMPION NORMAN POWELL!! ❤️ #WeTheNorth pic.twitter.com/QxDkjVfdU3
— Mary (@marywells_xo) March 25, 2021
While Powell and his Osmow’s ads will certainly be missed, fans are also looking forward to seeing the players who are coming to Toronto. Trent Jr., especially, has Raptors Twitter very excited and nostalgic about his father, Gary Trent Sr., who played for Toronto.
Gary Trent Jr. dropped 28 points with seven 3s against LA this season 👀
The newest Raptor can really shoot it! pic.twitter.com/9GaHbaEKTM— TSN (@TSN_Sports) March 25, 2021
Not exactly going to swing anyone, but Gary Trent seems like one of the absolute nicest dudes in the league.
— Blake Murphy (@BlakeMurphyODC) March 25, 2021
February 13, 1998: Gary Trent Sr. Traded from the Portland Trail Blazers to the Toronto Raptors
March 25, 2021: Gary Trent Jr. Traded from the Portland Trail Blazers to the Toronto Raptors— Raptors Rapture (@raptorsrapture) March 25, 2021
Hey Raptors twitter! It’s important you know this: Gary Trent Jr has 3 little brothers named Garyson, Grayson, and Graydon. Gary Trent Sr. really did that.
— Sweet Sixteen Legend Ashtyn Butuso (@lil_buts) March 25, 2021
Trent Jr., 22, is averaging 15.0 points per game and is shooting 39.7 percent from deep this season.
What a day.
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