Kyle Lowry is officially calling it a career - but not before taking one final bow in the city where he became a legend.
The six-time All-Star has announced that he plans to retire after this season, and he’s making sure his story ends where it truly began: Toronto. Lowry intends to sign a one-day contract with the Raptors, allowing him to retire as a member of the franchise he helped elevate to the NBA’s mountaintop.
It’s a fitting tribute for a player who didn’t just wear the Raptors jersey - he redefined what it meant to be a Raptor. Lowry spent nine seasons in Toronto, and over that time, he became the heart and soul of the team.
He was a relentless competitor, a floor general with a knack for taking charges, making clutch plays, and doing whatever it took to win. His gritty style and leadership resonated with the city, turning him into a fan favorite and, eventually, a champion.
Lowry’s resume in Toronto speaks for itself. He made six All-Star appearances during his run with the Raptors, including a standout 2015-16 season when he helped guide the team to a then-franchise-record 56 wins. Alongside DeMar DeRozan, he formed one of the most dynamic backcourts in the league - a duo that helped turn the Raptors into perennial contenders in the Eastern Conference.
But it was the 2019 season that cemented Lowry’s legacy. With Kawhi Leonard leading the charge, Lowry was the steadying force behind Toronto’s historic playoff run. His Game 6 performance in the NBA Finals - where he set the tone early and finished with a near triple-double - was the exclamation point on a championship journey that had eluded the franchise for 24 years.
Now, as Lowry prepares to hang up his sneakers, the Raptors are preparing to honor him in the way he deserves. His one-day contract will be more than symbolic - it will be a celebration of a player who gave everything to the franchise. And while nothing has been made official yet, there’s already buzz about the team possibly retiring his jersey number - an honor that would place him alongside fellow franchise icon Vince Carter in the rafters.
Lowry’s impact on the Raptors goes beyond stats and accolades. He helped change the culture, bringing toughness, pride, and a winning mentality to a team that had long struggled to find its identity. For a franchise that’s seen stars come and go - from Vince Carter’s high-flying heroics to Chris Bosh’s rise as a dominant power forward, and even a young Tracy McGrady before his breakout in Orlando - Lowry stands apart.
He didn’t just play in Toronto. He built something there.
And now, he’ll get the sendoff he’s earned - as a Raptor, for life.