Report: The Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers have the highest odds I'm signing Kyle Lowry. Will Lowry leave Toronto to join a contender?

For the first time since 2013, the Toronto Raptors missed the playoffs as the twelfth seed with a record of 27-45. With Kyle Lowry entering this free agency as an unrestricted free agent, it appears that Lowry could be joining a new team despite being with the Raptors since 2009! For over a decade, Lowry has been a part of the highest and lowest moments in Raptors history while solidifying himself as arguably the greatest Raptor in franchise history. The fact that Lowry could join a different organization next season is baffling but expected. 

Lowry is currently 34-years-old and only has a few years left in being an effective option to any NBA organization. While his time in Toronto is essentially over, Lowry will receive many offers from various contenders this off-season as his value to a contending team is unmatched. Despite many organizations already expressing interest in the former champion, here is a look at four organizations that will be the most aggressive in signing Kyle Lowry this off-season. 

New York Knicks

This season, the New York Knicks shocked the basketball world by defying all odds and making the playoffs under Tom Thibodeau and Julius Randle. Entering this season, the Knicks were projected to miss the playoffs and return to the lottery. However, with determination, consistency and outstanding leadership, the Knicks finished the season with a record of 41-31 as the fourth-seed in the Eastern Conference. 

New York has accomplished a lot this season and should celebrate their unexpected return to the playoffs. Even though this team played amazingly, they are only scratching the surface with their potential. Before the playoffs started, the Knicks were and still are rumoured to be interested in trading for Damian Lillard this off-season. For the Knicks to accomplish a trade for Lillard, they would have to give up more than half of their future assets, which is not worth it. 

With Kyle Lowry being an unrestricted free agent, the Knicks will most likely pursue Lowry as an option to pair alongside Julius Randle. Even though Lowry is an older option at the point guard position, he will provide elite play-making, championship experience, and experience to a young Knicks team. New York has the cap space to sign Lowry and other rotational players, making them a team to look out for when free agency starts! 

Miami Heat

During the NBA trade deadline, the Miami Heat were among three organizations to aggressively trade for Kyle Lowry. Fortunately for the Heat, no organization successfully traded for Lowry as the Toronto Raptors wanted an unrealistic package for the 34-year-old. However, the Heat have a second chance of acquiring Lowry as they can sign him. 

With Victor Oladipo most likely not returning to the Miami Heat or potentially the NBA due to another nagging injury, the Heat have cap space in signing a player like Lowry. While the Heat may not have enough money to sign Lowry to a max-contract, they have enough to entice Lowry, especially when factoring in the relationship he has with Jimmy Butler. According to an exclusive feature story by CBS sports, Jimmy Butler and Kyle Lowry have a great relationship off the court.

"He's one of my absolute best friends," Butler said. "He's the godfather of my daughter. And it's just like as competitive as it is, we're always laughing, we're always joking around.

This is a significant advantage for the Heat in potentially signing Lowry as he would automatically have a great connection with the team's captain. Lowry would unite with one of his closest friends in the NBA while having a real chance at winning a championship. Heat basketball would become much more fluent with Lowry on the roster. Unfortunately, Lowry on the Heat may not be possible unless he is willing to take a pay-cut to form a new big three in the Eastern Conference. 

Philadelphia 76ers

The most significant advantage the Philadelphia 76ers have in signing Kyle Lowry this off-season is his ancestral roots. Lowry was born and raised in Philadelphia, and since 2016, Lowry entertained the possibility of returning home to help lead the 76ers to their first championship since Julius Erving. With the 76ers being first in the Eastern Conference with a record of 49-23, Philadelphia has dramatically improved from last season while having the potential in making their first finals appearance since Allen Iverson. 

Philadelphia made many off-season moves, including revamping their front-office and head coach. Signing Doc Rivers and Daryl Morrey initiated positive results, including trading Al Horford's contract, swapping Josh Richardson with Seth Curry, allowing Tobias Harris more offensive possessions, and signing/trading for playoff experienced veterans like Dwight Howard and Danny Green. 

Philadelphia has fixed their previous mistakes and has shown that they have a competent and reliable front-office. These aspects are crucial when attracting All-Star calibre free agents. The 76ers proved this season that they could win a championship, which no other team on this list has established. Although the Miami Heat did make the finals last season, they will most likely be eliminated in the first round this season as they have had a lopsided year. With all of the recent success from Philadelphia, it would most likely be enough to encourage Kyle Lowry to potentially join the 76ers on a massive pay-cut. 

Los Angeles Clippers

One of the biggest mistakes the Clippers made during the trade deadline was not trading for Kyle Lowry. Out of every team mentioned, Lowry would have worked the best with the Clippers as he won a championship with Kawhi Leonard and Serge Ibaka. He would have quickly adapted to the Clippers offence as Lowry is extremely versatile and would have been the vocal leader the Clippers desperately needed. 

For the second straight season, it appears that the Clippers will most likely be eliminated in the first round against a young Dallas Mavericks team. With Kawhi Leonard being an unrestricted free agent this off-season, the Clippers organization would take much convincing to bring him back, considering how disappointing they have been. The only way the Clippers could convince Kawhi to return if he chooses to leave is, signing Kyle Lowry this off-season. 

The Clippers have put themselves in a tight position after extending Luke Kennard to a four-year 64 million dollar contract extension. That money could have been used to sign Kyle Lowry, but unfortunately, the Clippers only have enough cap space to sign Kawhi Leonard. Expect the Clippers this off-season to be incredibly busy as they have quite a bit of work to do if they want to bring back Kawhi Leonard. 

Concluding thoughts

Kyle Lowry will be one of the biggest names in this upcoming free agency and will receive offers from more than just these four organizations. While no source knows exactly where Kyle Lowry will go, these four teams have been the most active and committed in their pursuit for the former champion. Every team mentioned has its unique case in convincing Kyle Lowry to join their organization. The only question that remains is, will Kyle Lowry look to win a championship, or will he want a massive pay-day?