Raptors coach Dwane Casey optimistic that deal can be reached with Kyle Lowry

The fate of the 2014-15 Toronto Raptors lies in the hands of Kyle Lowry and whether the team can re-sign the 28-year-old guard to a new deal this summer.

When asked about Lowry prior to “Madiba: An Evening Honouring Nelson Mandela” on Thursday night, head coach Dwane Casey was optimistic over a deal being reached to keep Lowry a Raptor for the foreseeable future, per Josh Lewenberg of TSN 1050:

Casey on Lowry: "He's still 1 of us & were still hopeful, fingers crossed, toes crossed & everything else that he's going to be apart of us"
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) June 20, 2014

More Casey on Lowry: "Kyle understands how we feel, knows where we stand with him. He knows where he stands with our organization"
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) June 20, 2014

Lowry was also in attendance that evening, but according to Lewenberg, he continuously dodged questions about his upcoming free agency. He did, however, have some kind words to say about general manager Masai Ujiri, the man responsible for the event:

Lowry on Masai: "He's the most upfront, honest guy you're going to deal with. He's very vocal but he knows how to get his point across"
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) June 20, 2014