Ahead of another return to Scotiabank Arena, a place he long called home, Raptors legend and Heat guard Kyle Lowry had an endearing message for the Toronto faithful.
While speaking with Raptors media before the Heat's matchup in Toronto, the six-time All-Star was asked if there would be a farewell after today's game.
"Nah, no farewell today. Hell no. Not this year," he stated confidently.
When asked if he'd do a farewell tour ahead of his final season, his answer will put a smile on the faces of Raptors fans.
"No. It's gonna be like, 'AIright y'all, peace! I'm signing with the Raptors for one day and I'm out,'" Lowry said with a smile. "I'm definitely retiring as a Raptor. That's something I've said since I left here. I will sign that one-day contract and I will retire as a Toronto Raptor. That's just how it's gonna be."
"I will retire as a Toronto Raptor"🗣
— NBA Canada (@NBACanada) December 6, 2023
When it comes to retirement, there's only one place for @Klow7 ! pic.twitter.com/El6JpwWTEe
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Lowry has long been referred to as the GROAT — the "Greatest Raptor of All-Time." Over nine years in Toronto, Lowry became the franchise's all-time leader in assists, steals, 3-pointers and triple-doubles. He ranks second in the franchise record books to his best friend DeMar DeRozan in points, games and minutes played.
Above all, Lowry was the vocal leader and floor general for the 2019 Raptors team that brought home the first NBA title in franchise history.
As Toronto went in a re-tooling direction following the 2020-21 season, the franchise did its part to send Lowry to his preferred destination to compete for another title — the Heat.
Lowry is in his third season with the Heat, reaching the Eastern Conference Finals in his first year and the NBA Finals in his second year. Even though both playoff runs came up short of a championship, the journey has met his hopes of battling for a title year in and year out.
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While injuries have plagued Lowry's time in Miami, he has been playing some inspired basketball so far in the 2023-24 season. At 37 years old (and soon to turn 38 in March), he believes he still has plenty to give to the game before he hangs it up.
"I think I still play at a high enough level where I can contribute to a team," he told the media, according to Sportsnet. "... I'm still motivated to play. I still love this game. ... No farewell today."
Even if Raptors fans can't bank on a final goodbye from Lowry today, it has to be a comforting feeling knowing that even if for just one day, they will get to see their NBA champion leader back with the organization one last time before he calls it a career.
