Lowry, Ibaka complete Raptors deals
The crowd reacts after Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) made a basket in the last seconds of Game 2 against the Milwaukee Bucks in an NBA basketball first-round playoff series, Tuesday, April 18, 2017, in Toronto. (Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press via AP)
Kyle Lowry re-signed with the Toronto Raptors on Friday as the franchise completed a multi-year deal for free agent power forward Serge Ibaka.
Lowry, who in May hinted he was ready to leave Toronto to increase his chances of winning an NBA championship, has re-signed on a reported three-year deal worth $100 million.
The three-time All Star has been a key pillar of the Raptors in recent years, averaging 18.2 points, 6.8 assists and 4.7 rebounds per game during five regular seasons with the team.
“Kyle has been a valuable part of our team’s success the past five years,” Raptors team president Masai Ujiri said. “He has grown as a player and person during his time in Toronto and we are excited that he wants to be here to help us continue building a championship program.”
Speaking after the Raptors were swept 4-0 by the Cleveland Cavaliers during the post-season, Lowry said his priority remained winning a championship.
“A ring. Nothing else. I just want a ring,” Lowry told reporters as he explained his decision to seek free agency in May.
Ibaka meanwhile re-signed for next season after joining Toronto from the Orlando Magic in February.
Ibaka averaged 14.3 points, 6.5 rebounds and 30.7 minutes in 10 playoff games for the Raptors.
