ReGrade the trade: Heat go all-in with polarizing deal for final piece
Kyle Lowry was a key part of recent Miami Heat playoff runs, but was the sign-and-trade for him back in 2021 worth it?
Regrading the trade
If that contract was half the amount that it was, this trade grade could’ve been different. But it simply was always a reach to think a suddenly aging player could ever be worth nearly $30 million against the team’s payroll while also unloading assets to attain him.
Lowry's expiring salary ended up being the key piece that facilitated the deal for Terry Rozier in January. So after a few good years, the Heat turned Lowry's salary cap slot into an obvious upgrade at the position.
After being picked up off the buyout market from the Philadelphia 76ers shortly after being traded, his new veteran minimum contract is much more reasonable for the player he is nowadays.