Top 3 destinations for Kyle Lowry after Lakers' Russell Westbrook trade

Top 3 destinations for Kyle Lowry after Lakers’ Russell Westbrook trade

TAMPA, FLORIDA - APRIL 21: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors handles the ball during the second quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Amalie Arena on April 21, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. 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. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /

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2. New Orleans Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans are on the clock to begin contending with star Zion Williamson on his rookie contract. This past year, the Pelicans failed to qualify for the play-in round, leading to the firing of Stan Van Gundy in his lone season as head coach. The best way to capitalize on Williamson’s services is to get a savvy point guard to feed him the ball. Lowry can provide just that.

New Orleans was in a bit of a bind, as starting point guard Lonzo Ball is a restricted free agent this summer and is gaining a ton of interest this offseason. Stadium’s Shams Charania reported on the night of the NBA Draft that the Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls and Raptors are expected to show interest in him. That would mean the Pelicans would have to match an offer sheet.

However, the Pelicans recently made a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies to free up cap space that allows them to either match an offer sheet for Ball or pursue a free agent point guard like Lowry, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

The Pels will have a choice to make. Do they want to retain Ball? Or would they choose to get a veteran guard in Lowry who knows what it takes to make it to an NBA Finals? Taking all of that into consideration, it would come as no shock if the Pelicans heavily pursued Lowry this summer.

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