Raptors coach Dwane Casey has called point guard Kyle Lowry “our engine, our spirit, our toughness.”
Well, the tough, spirited engine is staying in Toronto.
Lowry and the Raptors have reached agreement on a four-year free-agent contract extension worth $48 million with an opt out after the third season, the point guard’s agent, Andy Miller, confirmed Wednesday night.
Lowry did the same on Twitter. He posted a photo on Instagram of himself in a No. 15 — he wears No. 7 — throwback Raptors uniform, noting “This ain’t Amir jersey y’all!…it’s for the 2014-15 season cause Toronto will be my home city.”
The deal was first reported by Yahoo! Sports.
Teams officially can sign players beginning July 10 when the NBA free-agency moratorium ends.
Lowry, traded to Toronto by Houston two years ago, became one of the first major free agents to reach agreement. Lowry had been coveted by the Heat, whose point guard shortcomings were on display in the Finals against the Spurs. Lowry met with Rockets and Raptors officials in Philadelphia Tuesday and indicated he would make a quick decision but needed time to consider all options.
Obviously, he felt his best option was to stay put.
The Raptors won the Atlantic Division over heavily favored Brooklyn but the Nets exacted some revenge beating Toronto in seven-game series in the first round. Lowry, who made $6.2 million last season, averaged career highs in points (17.9) and assists (7.4).
Lowry’s agreement was the biggest move on Day 2 of free agency that was dominated by The Carmelo Anthony Traveling Free Agency Meet and Greet then Wine and Dine Caravan rolling through Texas. The day contained some lesser and still intriguing agreements across the league’s landscape.
Elsewhere, sources confirmed the Celtics restricted guard Avery Bradley re-upped for four years and $32 million. Couple that with the drafting of point guard Marcus Smart and inevitably thoughts focus on Rajon Rondo’s status. But it doesn’t mean Rondo has a foot out of the door.
The Celtics believe they have a three-guard alignment that can play together with Smart as the combo guard. And it’s an alignment that appeals defensively. Rondo is entering his contract year and undoubtedly is intent on showing he is fully back from knee surgery following a torn ACL suffered in January, 2013, and deserving of a max deal.
From the Celtics’ viewpoint, they get a competitive Rondo and still can digest any and all trade options by the deadline.
The Celtics reportedly reached out to numerous free agents, kicking tires and gauging interest in the first few days. There was interest in Utah restricted free agent Gordon Hayward, who played collegiately for Celtics coach Brad Stevens at Butler. The Cavaliers, though, are highly interested in Hayward and on Wednesday were formulating a meeting with the athletic 6-foot-8 forward. Utah gave Hayward a qualifying offer last week and can match any offer.
Also, C.J. Miles will leave the Cavs after agreeing to join Indiana through a four-year deal, worth $18 million according to Yahoo! Sports. Ben Gordon landed a two-year deal worth $9 million from the Orlando.