Kyle Lowry is in his 20th NBA season with the Philadelphia 76ers, and he has no plan to continue his career for three more seasons like LeBron James. So, it is safe to say that he is very close to retirement.
And it seems like the 39-year-old is considering leaving everything after this year. But he has something very emotional planned.
76ers’ star Kyle Lowry’s Firm Pledge to Retire as a Toronto Raptor Via One-Day Contract
The veteran guard spent his prime years building the Toronto Raptors into champions. He led them to the 2019 title as the heart of that squad. Fans still chant his name when he returns to Scotiabank Arena, where recent games brought loud ovations.
In one appearance, Lowry wore an Auston Matthews Maple Leafs jersey, a reminder of how personal his connection with the Raptors is. Now, he addressed that his retirement phase is set to knock at the door, but he wants a final chapter tied to the city where he became “Mr. Raptor.”
He has repeated the same promise since his 2021 trade to Miami. Now, with retirement on the horizon, he doubled down ahead of what could be his last visits to Toronto.
Lowry spoke from the heart to Sportsnet reporters before games in Toronto. “My goal — and I’ve committed to this and I’ll go from what I say — I will sign a one-day contract and retire as a Raptor. That has not changed,” he said.
Kyle Lowry, who is expected to retire after this season, plans to officially retire as a Toronto Raptor by signing a one-day contract before his retirement. pic.twitter.com/rtamBuTams
— Polymarket Hoops (@PolymarketHoops) January 20, 2026
That one-day deal is a common NBA move for legends who want to close their careers with the team that defined them. Lowry spent nine seasons in Toronto, averaging career-highs there with 17.5 points, 7.1 assists and 4.9 rebounds in 601 games. He also earned All-Star nods and delivered the franchise’s only ring there.
Following his confession, it seems like retiring as a Raptor is now the only thing in his plan. If this emotional plan really works out, it also sets up a likely No. 7 jersey retirement ceremony.
He hinted at tears when asked about seeing his number raised. “Y’all ever see me cry? … If it does & when it does, it will be a super emotional day. I put a lot of blood, sweat & tears in that 7,” he said.
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Raptors fans will get their proper goodbye when the time comes. Lowry’s jersey retirement ceremony is inevitable once he officially walks away. The emotional farewell tour is already written — it just needs an official date.
For now, Lowry’s focused on helping only the Sixers. But his heart never left Toronto, and his final NBA chapter will reflect that loyalty.
