A Royal Pain
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A Royal Acquisition: Kyle Lowry

By Kyle Robert

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"Our ‘A Royal Acquisition’ series takes a look at pending free agents or potential trade targets that could make sense for the Sacramento Kings this offseason. These columns are meant to be speculative by nature. Some may have actual rumors and insider speculation behind them, and some may not. You’ve been warned. In this column, Kyle Robert takes a look at potentially available Toronto Raptors Point Guard Kyle Lowry."

Kyle Lowry

Height: 6’ 0”   Weight: 205

The Toronto Raptors have been a stable contender in the Eastern Conference for the last couple of seasons. However, people are starting to realize that while the Raptors may be living in the neighborhood of upper echelon Eastern Conference teams, it doesn’t seem like that perception is a reality. This season they were swept in the first round by the Washington Wizards, and looked bad doing so. Last season they were the 3rd seed and lost in seven games to the 6th seeded Brooklyn Nets. General manager Masai Ujiri tends to be proactive, and could look to move some big pieces in an attempt to retool and have the Raptors take the next step.

February 15, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Eastern Conference guard Kyle Lowry of the Toronto Raptors (7) scores as Western Conference forward Dirk Nowitzki of the Dallas Mavericks (41) and Western Conference center Marc Gasol of the Memphis Grizzlies (33) defend during the first half of the 2015 NBA All-Star Game at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Last season was a bit of a roller coaster for Kyle Lowry. He had a tremendous first half that landed him a starting spot on the Eastern Conference All Star team. The second half of his season, while still good, saw a bit of decline. He battled a few injuries down the stretch that forced him to miss two weeks before the playoffs started. The last two seasons, Lowry has been a capable scorer averaging 17.8 points per game. He has also averaged around 7 assists per game. He is also a talented defender that can cover both guard spots.

The Kings have been linked to many point guards via the rumor mill and Kyle Lowry is a guy that could potentially be had from a team that may look to rebuild. Lowry would be an instant upgrade at point guard that would improve the roster immediately. Darren Collison would slide to the bench, and upgrade the second unit immensely. If the Raptors are ready to send off parts in order to retool, Lowry and his backcourt mate DeMar DeRozan are the likely candidates to move.

Now the question becomes, what would it cost to acquire Lowry? He has three years left on the deal he inked a year ago that will pay him $12 million per season. The Kings would likely have to give up a young asset or two. Ideally, the Kings would send last years first round pick, Nik Stauskas, who is from Canada, and one of Jason Thompson or Carl Landry. The Kings might be forced to include the 6th overall pick to get the Raptors to OK the deal. The Kings may be able to finagle Bruno Caboclo into the deal if the Raptors demand draft compensation.

Lowry is an option that would cost the Kings more than Brandon Jennings, but won’t be coming off of an Achilles injury. The relationship between Pete D’alessandro and Ujiri could help make this deal a reality. Lowry would help the Kings in their “Win Now” approach.

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