Raptors' Lowry focused on winning, not free agency
The task at hand - winning games for the soaring 27-13 Toronto Raptors - is the primary concern of point guard Kyle Lowry, who will hit unrestricted free agency this summer.
The 30-year-old All-Star has a player option worth $12 million for the 2017-18 season that he'll undoubtedly turn down to cash in on a new deal, whether that be north of the border or with a new team. Rather than focus his attention on his long-term future, though, Lowry's immediate priority is keeping the Raptors focused and ready for another playoff run.
"When the time comes, then I will worry about it. It definitely will be an option," Lowry told ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk when asked if re-signing with Toronto is his first choice. "It's definitely home. I have been given the keys to it, (and it's where) I have been most successful. When that time comes, I'll think about it, but for now I just want to keep winning and try to get to that next level and take it game by game and day by day."
The franchise acquired Lowry from the Houston Rockets back in 2012 in exchange for the seldom-used Gary Forbes and a draft pick that wound up being center Steven Adams. Since his arrival, the Raptors have blossomed into one of the strongest teams in the Eastern Conference, improving their win total each year he's been their starter.
"I feel like the last couple of years, everything has been happening the right way mostly because I have done everything that I was supposed to be doing. Just be a professional, go out there and work every single night and be me and have fun and just provide," Lowry added.
"Have fun, be with your teammates and your family and not worry about anything but having fun and winning games. At this time of the year, at this point in my life, it is about continuing to try to grow as much as possible, and winning. Winning at the highest level. Winning a ring would be the ultimate goal, the ultimate feel-good."
Lowry ranks 10th in the conference in points per game (22.2), first in 3-point percentage (44.4 percent), and fourth in assists (7.2).