Miami Heat NBA Finals Odds Fall Despite Rumors to Land Kyle Lowry
By Peter Dewey
Six-time All-Star Kyle Lowry reportedly could have a new home when free agency opens tonight at 6 p.m. EST, as the longtime Toronto Raptors guard is expected to head to the Miami Heat in a sign-and-trade.
Lowry is one of the most-coveted free agents on the market this offseason, and ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported the potential sign-and-trade deal that would happen after the Heat exercised Goran Dragic’s $19.4 million team option for the 2021-22 season.
“The Miami Heat are positioning themselves to become front-runners to land Kyle Lowry in a sign-and-trade agreement once discussions are permitted to begin with the opening of NBA free agency on Monday, sources told ESPN,” Wojnarowski wrote.
“Lowry has long been intrigued with joining Heat star Jimmy Butler and the Miami organization, and now Miami has maneuvered to have two key elements of a possible sign-and-trade package -- guard Goran Dragic and forward Precious Achiuwa -- to offer the Raptors once talks can ensue at 6 p.m. ET Monday, sources said.”
Lowry averaged 17.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 7.3 assists per game last season while shooting 43.6 percent from the field and 39.6 percent from beyond the arc.
He certainly would upgrade Miami’s backcourt, but oddsmakers still aren’t buying the Heat as a Finals contender ahead of free agency.
WynnBET has dropped Miami’s opening title odds from +2500 to +3000 despite the rumors that Lowry will be in South Beach next season.
The Heat were swept in the first round of the playoffs by the eventual champion Milwaukee Bucks during last season’s playoffs. However, the Heat believe they have a contender, as they made the NBA Finals during the 2019-20 season.
Lowry would be an upgrade over Dragic, who has dealt with several injuries since the 2020 NBA Finals. While Miami will still need to fill in depth, Lowry, Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo are a solid core to have.
WynnBET currently has the Brooklyn Nets as the +225 favorite to win the NBA Finals next season.
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