NBA Free Agency 2017: 5 potential destinations for Kyle Lowry

3. Philadelphia 76ers

Lowry is a Philadelphia native and went to college at Villanova, so his ties to City of Brotherly Love are there. 76ers general manager Bryan Colangelo held the same post with the Raptors in 2012, when Lowry was acquired from the Houston Rockets. So it’s no surprise Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer reported the 76ers plan to make Lowry a “lucrative offer.”

A supposed commitment to making 2016 No. 1 pick Ben Simmons into a “point forward” is a factor in the 76ers adding a big-name point guard. But he missed his entire rookie season after injuring his right foot during practice in October, and counting on much of anything from Simmons at this point looks like a recipe for disappointment.

Lowry has apparently had his eye on playing for the 76ers for quite some time, and from the team’s end it makes some sense. Pompey cited a quote about free agency from the father of  “The Process” himself, former 76ers’ general manager Sam Hinkie.

"As former Sixers general manager Sam Hinkie said, “The goal is to get one {all-star type player] and others will follow.”"

Lowry, in theory, is someone other noteworthy free agents would want to play with. The same could be said for the young talent in place in Philadelphia, eventually. But Lowry’s influence, on and off the floor, could and really should be immediate.

Leaving aside a possible preference to sign with a Western Conference team, Lowry could simply want to return home for one last big contract. The 76ers should be ready with the best offer they can make, somewhere in the vicinity of the four-year, around $152 million max Lowry can get from a team other than the Raptors.