Golden State Warriors trade for Kyle Lowry almost happened

Before the Golden State Warriors became world-beaters and when they were still in rebuilding mode, the team was reportedly interested in acquiring Kyle Lowry from the Toronto Raptors. In 2013, a Warriors trade for the eventual Raptors’ franchise point guard would have happened if Golden State were willing to give up a young prospect and a draft pick at that time.

According to Kevin O’Connor of the Ringer, the Raptors were trying to unload Lowry four years ago. There were reportedly Warriors-Raptors trade talks but it did not go anywhere, as Golden State was not willing to part with then-big man prospect Festus Ezeli and a draft pick.

With the non-deal, both the Raptors and Warriors became playoff and title contenders over the next few years, so those teams are thankful that nothing was finalised in those trade talks. Both the Raptors and Warriors are considered legit teams that have good chances of winning the title this season.

The core of the Warriors of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green was already part of Golden State’s roster that time. Adding Lowry would have given them another weapon but it will never be known how that would have would worked out for the Warriors in the next few seasons. A Lowry and Curry backcourt is an interesting combination but they would have struggled on defence with that pairing.

Eventually, the Warriors got other pieces like Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston and they made the NBA Finals the last two seasons. Golden State also won the title two years ago.

Meanwhile, Lowry has excelled for the Raptors and gained All-Star nods in recent years. Along with DeRozan, they are the key players in Toronto’s aim to beat LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers this season.

The Lowry trade talks are coming out again because of his upcoming free agency after the current 2016-2017 NBA season. There are speculations out of Toronto that a maximum contract for the point guard is likely but that team president and general manager Masai Ujiri could explore trades for Lowry. The veteran PG has a player option next year and it’s likely that he opts out of that option to explore free agency.

Lowry, who is currently out and injured, was averaging 22.6 points, 4.7 rebounds and 6.9 assists per game before he got hurt. However, he is expected to return for Toronto before the end of the regular season and be 100 percent healthy in the 2017 NBA Playoffs.