Kyle Lowry does not plan to retire as a member of the Miami Heat.
Instead, the future Hall of Famer said he intends to retire as a member of the Toronto Raptors, the franchise with which he spent most of his career.
“I'm definitely retiring as a Raptor," Lowry said ahead of the Heat’s game in Toronto Wednesday. “I will sign that day contract and I will retire as a Toronto Raptor. That's just how it’s going to be. Unless I die before that.”
Lowry, 37, played nine seasons in Toronto and, alongside Kawhi Leonard, helped lead the Raptors to the only championship in franchise history in 2019.
The Heat acquired Lowry in a sign-and-trade in 2021 that sent Goran Dragic and Precious Achiuwa to Toronto. Lowry has helped guide the Heat to the Eastern Conference finals in each of the last two seasons, including coming off the bench during last season’s run to the Finals.
This season, Lowry reclaimed his spot in the starting lineup and is averaging 9.4 points and 4.3 assists while shooting 44.4% on 3s. When asked if he plans to retire when he becomes a free agent next summer, Lowry said he still believes he can help a winning team.
“Hell no,” Lowry said when asked about retirement. "Not this year.”