Heat expected to part ways with 6-time All-Star
Nov 9, 2018; Miami, FL, USA; A detailed view of the special Miami Heat Vice Nights logo on the court prior to the game between the between the Miami Heat and the Indiana Pacers at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
After two-and-a-half seasons in Miami, the Super Duper Kyle era may be nearing the end.
Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports Monday that the Heat appear to be moving towards an “end game” with veteran guard Kyle Lowry. Winderman says that a resolution between Lowry and the Heat is expected by the trade deadline and could even come as early as this week.
The news comes less than a week after reports had emerged the Heat were making the six-time All-Star Lowry available for trade (along with another notable player).
Things have come to a head on the Lowry front in recent days ever since he was moved to the bench for Miami’s last two games. Lowry, who had been a starter for the entire season up to that point, expressed frustration with his demotion to reporters.
Kyle Lowry on coming off the bench
“As a professional, Of course I’m disappointed”
“I haven’t played well in the last couple weeks. The coaches made a decision to move and shake some things up” pic.twitter.com/mmzgdj8rwC
— Emo Jimmy (@WheelerJaylen) January 22, 2024
The Heat acquired Lowry before the 2021-22 season in a trade with the Toronto Raptors. The two players Toronto got in return (Goran Dragic and Precious Achiuwa) never made much of an impact for them. Thus, Miami can probably say they won the trade, especially since they were the No. 1 seed in Lowry’s first year and made it to the NBA Finals during Lowry’s second year.
But with Lowry now 38, disgruntled, and on a $29.7 million expiring deal, the partnership seems to have run its natural course. While Lowry’s shot has completely abandoned him of late (he has missed his last 18 straight three-point attempts), he is still a generally well-respected veteran who does a lot of little things that contribute to winning. Lowry also recently received some trade interest from a contending team in the West.
