Kyle Lowry chafes at report he's retiring after 20 NBA seasons: 'Wait for the word to come from me'
Lowry Responds to Retirement Report
Kyle Lowry has addressed a report circulating regarding his potential retirement after a career spanning 20 NBA seasons. The veteran guard posted a message on his Instagram story, stating, “Wait for the word to come from me, not someone else!!! Smh.” This response came after a report from Michael Grange of Sportsnet suggested that the former Toronto Raptors star would retire and sign a one-day contract with Toronto, with a special event and press conference planned for Tuesday.
Lowry’s message appears to be a request to announce his retirement on his own terms rather than a direct denial of the report. The report also indicated that the Raptors are likely to retire Lowry’s No. 7 jersey during the 2026-27 season. If this occurs, he would become the second player in Raptors history to receive this honour, following Vince Carter’s No. 15.
A Distinguished Career with the Raptors
Lowry played nine of his 20 seasons in Toronto, a period during which he achieved significant milestones. He earned six All-Star selections and was a key player in leading the franchise to its first NBA championship in the 2018-19 season. His tenure with the Raptors concluded when he joined the Miami Heat via a three-year, $85 million sign-and-trade deal. Following his time with the Heat, he played two seasons with his hometown Philadelphia 76ers before this offseason.
Lowry’s journey to NBA stardom involved developing from a bench player with the Memphis Grizzlies to a starter for the Houston Rockets. He ultimately became a standout player after being acquired by the Raptors in a trade in 2012. He holds the franchise record for the Raptors in several statistical categories, including assists, steals, and 3-pointers.
The reported retirement plans coincide with the return of Kawhi Leonard to Toronto, one of Lowry’s co-stars from the championship-winning team, via a trade with the Los Angeles Clippers. The event scheduled for Tuesday is expected to honour Lowry’s homecoming and his impending retirement ceremony for his No. 7 jersey. Sources suggest this event will also set the stage for additional recognition of Lowry during the 2026-27 season, with a jersey retirement planned at Scotiabank Arena.
Lowry, who was the 24th pick in the 2006 NBA Draft, began his career with the Memphis Grizzlies for his first two seasons. He was then traded to the Houston Rockets in 2009 before joining the Toronto Raptors three years later. During his time in Toronto, he was also named an All-NBA Third Team member in the 2015-16 season and represented the franchise at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where he helped the United States secure a gold medal.
His career is described as a notable “late-bloomer” story, culminating in a distinguished 20-year NBA career. He was traded to the Miami Heat in 2022 and spent his final two seasons as a veteran with the Philadelphia 76ers. The No. 7 jersey, if retired, would join Vince Carter’s No. 15 as the only Raptors jerseys hanging in the downtown arena.
The reported plan involves Lowry rejoining the Toronto Raptors via a one-day contract and subsequently announcing his retirement as a Raptor. This arrangement is seen as a fitting conclusion for a player widely regarded as one of the greatest in Raptors history. The event and press conference are scheduled for Tuesday.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
