Kyle Lowry is teasing something big — we just have no real idea what it is. The former Raptors point guard posted a cryptic video on Instagram on Monday afternoon, showing him hitting golf balls on his indoor simulator when his phone floods with messages and calls from former teammates, including Damon Stoudamire, Vince Carter, and Alvin Williams. Only a call from DeMar DeRozan prompts Lowry to answer.
Raptors call news conference for milestone announcement
On Monday afternoon, the Raptors announced a news conference scheduled for Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. ET, where GM Bobby Webster "will be joined by a special guest" to speak with the media. The team described it as "a milestone team announcement." Speculation is rampant that the event could involve Lowry signing a one-day contract to retire with Toronto, a statue unveiling, or a number retirement ceremony. However, the timing coincides with the recent trade bringing Kawhi Leonard back from the Clippers, and rumours that DeRozan could rejoin the Raptors.
DeRozan liked a post hinting at a return
Lowry's teaser came a day after DeRozan liked an Instagram post featuring Leonard and himself in Raptors uniforms with the headline 'Back in the Six.' The caption mentioned "growing buzz" that DeRozan could return to Toronto. The rumour mill intensified after reports that the Sacramento Kings were looking to move the 36-year-old swing man. On Monday, ESPN's Sham Charania reported that the Kings will waive DeRozan after failing to find a suitable trade, making him "one of the top free agents."
Kawhi Leonard trade adds to the intrigue
Last week, the Raptors agreed to a trade with the Los Angeles Clippers to bring all-star forward Kawhi Leonard back to Toronto, where he helped lead the team to the 2019 NBA championship. While the trade was announced earlier, it could not become official until Monday, and an official reintroduction has yet to be scheduled. The news conference could serve that purpose — or could involve Lowry's retirement or DeRozan's potential return.
