The Sixer Sense
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Sixers rumors: Kyle Lowry is name to watch at trade deadline

By Christopher Kline

Kyle Lowry (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
Kyle Lowry (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. /
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The Philadelphia 76ers are expected to be aggressive at the trade deadline. According to Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer, Sixers President Daryl Morey is “seeking major moves” to improve the team’s championship odds. At 20-11, the Sixers hold just a half-game lead over Brooklyn for first place in the Eastern Conference.

One name O’Connor mentions specifically is Raptors guard Kyle Lowry. This is not the first time Lowry has been mentioned in connection with Philadelphia, but it is certainly a strong indicator that Philadelphia will make some effort to pry Lowry away from their division rivals.

The Raptors are on a hot streak, winning four straight and finally breaking the .500 mark on the season. Toronto can still compete in the short term, but title contention seems far-fetched. If the Raptors decide to start their next chapter by trading the 34-year-old, it’s entirely reasonable for the Sixers to have interest.

Is Kyle Lowry the Sixers’ missing piece?

Lowry is averaging 17.7 points and 6.4 assists this season, shooting 45.2 percent from the field and 38.8 percent from deep. The six-time All-Star has made a strong case for his seventh bid. Given both his age and his contract, Lowry should be affordable for a player of his caliber.

The Sixers’ lack of perimeter creation has long been a franchise bugaboo. Even since Jimmy Butler left, Philadelphia has lacked consistent go-to scorers on the perimeter. Lowry is highly unselfish — sometimes to a fault — but he’s a capable isolation scorer who can help ease Joel Embiid’s burden late in games.

A gritty defender and proven winner, Lowry would be a natural fit in Philadelphia. He’s a city native, and his personality is right in line with everything the fanbase covets. He would become an instant fan favorite while vaulting the Sixers’ ceiling much higher than it currently sits. A true third star next to Embiid and Ben Simmons.

Lowry is on the books for $30.5 million this season. The Sixers would need to compile Danny Green, Mike Scott, and other contract filler to match salaries. It would likely require one or two first-round picks, at the bare minimum. Lowry will not come cheap, and if he is indeed available, other contenders will surely bid.

Daryl Morey is a notoriously aggressive deal-maker who certainly views Philadelphia as championship contenders. The Sixers are in win-now mode, and expect them to operate as such when the trade deadline approaches.

Next. 5 potential sellers to watch at deadline. dark