The Miami Heat have supposedly been targeting Kyle Lowry in free agency for a while. However, new information about his asking price may cause them to hesitate.
According to Adam Borai of Five Reasons Sports, Lowry is seeking a three-year deal worth $30 million per year. Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN also reported that “there’s a big market” for him.
"“You’re talking potentially $25 million to $30 million a year for Kyle Lowry, it’s going to be expensive to get at him in free agency or a sign-and-trade,” said Wojnarowski."
With many teams going after him, his price could be driven up. Teams such as the Pelicans, 76ers, and Lakers could try to outbid the Miami Heat in pursuit of Lowry.
Is it worth it for the Miami Heat to pay Kyle Lowry $90 million?
Lowry is 35 years old and entering his 16th NBA season. Despite this, he still plays at an extremely high level and has been an All-Star in six of the last seven seasons.
The Raptors struggled last year, missing the playoffs for the first time in eight years. However, Lowry still managed to put up solid numbers across the board.
Last year, he averaged 17.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 7.3 assists. Lowry shot 43.6% from the field and 39.6% from three-point range.
On paper, he would fit in super well with the Miami Heat. Adding a veteran point guard to run the offense could elevate their team to the next level.
He would provide a steady infusion of playmaking, but more importantly, shooting. He has the ability to shoot close to 40% from deep, which would be a great help in the starting lineup.
In addition, he’s a scrappy defender who leaves it all on the court. That’s exactly the type of player Miami loves to recruit.
With all that being said, is it worth signing a player nearing the end of his prime to a massive contract? Or, would the Miami Heat’s money be better spent elsewhere this summer?
The case for the Miami Heat to sign Kyle Lowry
For the sake of this argument, let’s say that the only contract Kyle Lowry is willing to sign is the three-year, $90 million deal that has been reported. It’s likely that he will be willing to negotiate, but the price will probably stay around that area, anyway.
It has also been rumored that Lowry wants all three years to be fully guaranteed. This means that the Miami Heat would be investing $90 million on Lowry over the next three years.
This would create a big three in Miami. Lowry is an All-Star caliber player who can shoot, score, and pass the ball super well.
He would also be able to elevate the game of Bam Adebayo. Lowry will easily be the best point guard Adebayo has ever played with, which would ideally help take his game to the next level.
Adding Lowry also allows the Miami Heat to comfortably part ways with Kendrick Nunn. He will be a restricted free agent this offseason and is set to earn a large payday.
While paying Lowry this much money may seem questionable, it would put the Miami Heat in a great position to sign a big-name free agent in the 2024 offseason. By this time, his money will be off the books.
Players who are set to be free agents that offseason include Devin Booker, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Devin Booker. Adebayo is under contract until 2027, so the Miami Heat would have the chance to form a super team if they got the timing right.
Paying Lowry now allows the team to legitimately compete in the Eastern Conference, while also keeping options open for Adebayo’s future. While the contract may seem large, it could be worth it for the chance to win a ring.
The case against the Miami Heat signing Kyle Lowry
Kyle Lowry is a great basketball player. His veteran leadership, scrappy defense, and solid shooting check all the boxes of what the Miami Heat are looking for in a point guard.
However, investing $90 million in a player who is nearing the end of their career seems silly. By the end of his deal, the Heat will be paying a 38-year-old nearly $30 million.
In addition, point guards usually don’t age well. They depend so much on their age and quickness that they end up slowing down towards the end of their career.
Lowry has kept up the pace nicely up until this point, but a lot can change in three years. Use Kemba Walker as a prime example of how injuries can sneak up on a player and drastically affect their whole career.
The Boston Celtics had to essentially dump his contract in Oklahoma City. Imagine if Lowry suffers even a minor injury at his age. It could be disastrous.
On top of that, there are some great free agency classes coming up in the next two years. If the Miami Heat pay Lowry a ton of money now, they won’t have any financial flexibility moving forward.
Next offseason, players such as Zach LaVine, Julius Randle, and Kawhi Leonard will be free agents. The year after that, Nikola Jokic, Joel Embiid, and Bradley Beal will hit the market.
There will be a lot of opportunities to sign a max free agent in the next two years. A 35-year-old Kyle Lowry might not be the best player to spend all that money on.