UPDATE (12:20 p.m. CT on 7/30):
Marc Stein lists the Mavericks, Heat and Pelicans as the teams who "will be at the forefront" of the Kyle Lowry pursuit when free agency negotiations can begin on Monday at 5 p.m. CT.
Stein adds that while Lowry is the top target for all three teams, Miami "would appear to have a recruiting advantage through Lowry’s close relationship with Miami star Jimmy Butler."
The original story follows.
DALLAS (105.3 The Fan) - In need of an upgrade to their offensive firepower, the Mavericks are readying a pursuit of Raptors free agent point guard Kyle Lowry.
NBA insider Marc Stein reports that the Mavs "post-draft focus, league sources say, will be the pursuit of Kyle Lowry and their bid to re-sign Tim Hardaway Jr."
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The NBA Draft takes place on Thursday, July 29.
The Mavs have had an interest in Lowry for some time now, as he would provide them a secondary ball-handler and another scorer to take some of the pressure off of Luka Doncic.
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The 35 year old has been the heart and soul of the Raptors franchise for nine seasons. He helped bring the city of Toronto its first championship in two decades and has been a model player and teammate over that time. But, more importantly than that, he is certain to fetch a high price on the open market, and should Dallas want to also re-sign Hardaway as Stein notes, they'll have to get creative from a trade standpoint to make a fit possible.
Despite his age, Lowry can still be a piece for a borderline-contender to add to the roster to make an over-the-top push towards a title. In 2020, he averaged 17.2 points, 7.3 assists and 5.4 rebounds per game.
The Sixers, Pelicans and Heat are among the other teams who are reportedly interested in signing Lowry.
Stein adds that he'll have "more soon" on the Mavs' Lowry pursuit. So stay tuned.
105.3 The Fan's GBag Nation discussed a pursuit of Lowry earlier this month. You can hear their thoughts here.
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