NBA Rumors: Boston Celtics Sign Kyle Lowry Contract; Isaiah Thomas Welcomes Fellow All-Star

By Doug Jackson
NBA: Playoffs-Cleveland Cavaliers at Toronto Raptors
May 27, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guards Kyle Lowry (7) and DeMar DeRozan (10) sit together on the bench during a time out against Cleveland Cavaliers in game six of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre.The Cavaliers won 113-87.  Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Are we about to witness another basketball divorce akin to the Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook drama in the Oklahoma City Thunder? Is Kyle Lowry gearing up to create a superteam alongside Isaiah Thomas and Marcus Smart in the Boston Celtics, leaving DeMar DeRozan to fend for the Toronto Raptors alone?

Although the 2017 NBA games are still heating up, the basketball world could not help but fear the impending 2018 free agency. Generally, the front offices opt for an NBA trade instead of waiting for their valuable stars to walk away for free. This means that a lot of huge deals could be announced in the next weeks. Will a Kyle Lowry contract with the Boston Celtics be one of the blockbuster deals this year?

The Toronto Raptors secured a four-year Kyle Lowry contract in 2014 at $48 million plus $48,000 guaranteed money. This puts his annual salary at roughly $12 million. However, the salary cap is set to increase soon which puts the All-Star at an advantageous position since he'd be hitting free agency by 2018.

Given the Toronto Raptors star's outstanding performances in the 2016 Rio Olympics and NBA All-Star 2017 games, it comes as no surprises that a number of teams are eyeing a Kyle Lowry contract. Despite his friendly relationship with DeMar DeRozan, rumors are rife that the need to get a ring soon weighs heavily in his mind. Among the basketball teams ready to give him a lucrative deal, it appears that Kyle Lowry finds the Boston Celtics as the best landing spot.

At this point, the Boston Celtics are comfortably at second place in the Eastern Conference with the Cleveland Cavaliers only at arm's reach away. Meanwhile, the Toronto Raptors slid fourth place behind the Washington Wizards. If a Kyle Lowry contract does get signed soon, then the LeBron James squad faces an even more formidable opponent as kings of the division.

To date, no official comment has been given by any of the parties concerned. However, Danny Ainge of the Boston Celtics has been openly talking about his desire to sign more superstars in his team. While the exec admitted that they are careful not to make a "bad" deal, fans believe that a Kyle Lowry contract definitely doesn't qualify as one.

"I want to do a deal. But it's my job to oversee the Celtics and not do what makes me look really good and do something that's instant gratification. It's like we're trying to build something. It's a big responsibility, and I take it very seriously. ... If anybody knows the Celtics right now, they know we're not afraid to make deals. But we don't want to make bad deals." said Danny Ainge of the Boston Celtics' plans regarding NBA trade deals.

What do you think? Should the Boston Celtics go all out for a Kyle Lowry contract? Is it time for the Toronto Raptors to consider a rebuild and concentrate solely on DeMar DeRozan? Will Isaiah Thomas and Marcus be better off with Kyle Lowry? 

  • [Exclusive Interview] A revelation within the brink of life and death — Meg Leung’s mission in Christian art

    Meg Leung (梁麗橋), an artist with a lifelong love for watercolor painting, sees her art as more than a means of expressing her inner world; it is a bridge connecting her to God. Her artistic journey has revealed God’s perfect plan and inspired her to communicate the power of faith through her wor

  • Transgenderism a fundamental human right? Hong Kong public disagrees, survey finds

    A 2024 survey from the Society for Truth and Light (明光社)'s Center for Life and Ethics Research reveals that respondents from various backgrounds prioritize personal safety and fairness when it comes to transgender issues. When laws involve moral judgments, most respondents believe courts should not make the decisions. The study also indicates that religious believers share similar views with non-religious respondents, reflecting that many churches may rarely address gender topics in depth.

  • Discipleship and Evangelism: Walking the Path of the Great Commission

    Like an ever-flowing spring, the gospel refreshes dry, parched lands and needs our unwavering passion and steadfast faith to transform lives and bring renewal. The "flame in our hearts" calls Christians to keep their faith and love for the Lord ablaze, representing the work and power of the Holy Spirit, driving us to proclaim God's glory boldly.

  • North America Chinese Evangelical Seminary year-end report highlights significant ministry progress

    As the year draws to a close, Rev. James Liu, President of the Chinese Evangelical Seminary North America (CESNA), reflected on the seminary’s remarkable growth and ministry development over the past year. Dedicated to providing theological education to Chinese Christians, CESNA continues to uphold its mission to remain faithful to the gospel and nurture believers. This year’s achievements span academic, ministerial, and outreach endeavors, fostering spiritual growth and advancing missionary wo