Kyle Lowry's incoming free-agency situation, trade option for the Toronto Raptors that involves Serge Ibaka, Paul Millsap and Kenneth Faried, and Masai Ujiri's extended reign as Raptors' general manager.
-Basketball Insider writer Moke Hamilton discussed the incoming free-agency of Raptors' All-Star playmaker Kyle Lowry. With Lowry turning 31-years old in March, Hamilton believes decision on the point guard's free-agency isn't going to be that easy for the Raps' front office.
Lowry may have become among the best playmakers in the league over the last three years, but investing a $130+ million deal for a player on the wrong end of 30 could be a tough pill to swallow for any team.
However, the discussion whether or not Lowry deserving of a lucrative multi-year starts and ends on his performance this year, when the Raptors are expected to match or exceed their playoff success last season.
Then again even before Lowry hits the market, the Raptors apparently have come up with a decision already after refusing to shell out more money to keep Bismack Biyombo this offseason.
-The Raptors could revive negotiations for Paul Millsap, Serge Ibaka and Kenneth Faried at some point between now and February trade deadline, as they look to fortify the power forward spot.
While Jared Sullinger is a welcome addition to the team, the lack of depth and firepower at the power forward spot remains the biggest hole on the Raptors' current roster.
The Raptors were rumored to have entered in a trade talks for Ibaka, Millsap and Faried this offseason, but not a single one prospered because of Ujiri's reluctance to part ways with high draft picks.
Then again, with the Boston Celtics, Indiana Pacers and even the New York Knicks looking to topple them as the no.2 best team in the west just behind the Cleveland Cavaliers, Ujiri may have no choice but to pull off a huge trade.
-Speaking of Ujiri, the Raptors GM officially signs an extension to remain as the top decision maker in the team's front-office. Over his three-year reign, the Raptors has transformed into an Eastern Conference power, becoming a perennial playoff contender.
Last season, the Raptors recorded a franchise's best 56 wins and then reached the Eastern Conference finals for the first time.