It looks like Kyle Lowry is still in the Sixers future plans.
This offseason, the Sixers still plan on pursuing the Toronto Raptor's guard via a possible sign-and-trade according to The Athletic. Here is what they had to say:
Lowry not getting traded at the March 25 deadline was quite a surprise, but it wasn't for lack of trying on the part of the Toronto front office. But as team president Masai Ujiri made clear back then, the Raptors still have an incredibly high opinion of Lowry and his game that — as they saw it — wasn't properly reflected in the offers that came their way. Yet among the three teams known to be in hot pursuit of Lowry back then — the Lakers, Miami and Philadelphia — only the Heat are in a financial position to possibly sign Lowry outright this summer. Sources say the Sixers still plan on pursuing him by way of a possible sign-and-trade. While they added George Hill at the deadline in lieu of Lowry, only $1.2 million of his $10 million salary for next season is guaranteed, and the deal expires at that point. The Lowry interest remains very strong there.
Lowry, who is in the midst of his 15th NBA season, was linked to the Sixers at the trade deadline as a player the team had high interest in acquiring. The Athletic also reported back in March that the draft compensation was too much for the Sixers, which is why GM Daryl Morey opted to trade for George Hill instead of Lowry. Keith Pompey from the Inquirer also reported Lowry wanted an extension after the trade, desiring at least $25 million a year.
If the Sixers want to execute a sign-and-trade, they will have to shed some salary from next year's roster. Here is what their salaries will look like next year according to Spotrac:
Tobias Harris - $35,995,950
Ben Simmons - $33,003,936
Joel Embiid - $31,579,390
George Hill - $10,047,297
Seth Curry - $8,207,518
Matisse Thybulle - $2,840,160
Tyrese Maxey - $2,602,920
Shake Milton - $1,846,738
Isaiah Joe - $1,517,981
In regards to George Hill, the Sixers could either guarantee and keep on its books, use in a trade or cut him to reduce payroll.
