RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Kyle Lowry ‘s star might not shine as brightly as those of Russell Westbrook and Chris Paul, but he has one thing that those two future Hall of Famers don’t: an NBA championship.
That aside, Lowry also has a unique distinction when it comes to retirement.
The Toronto Raptors have shown just how classy a franchise they are by continuing to honor their team legend during his final season as an NBA professional. First, they signed Lowry to a ceremonial one-day contract , allowing him to retire with the team where he spent the best years of his career.
Lowry was part of the Raptors’ 2019 championship-winning roster. He played for Toronto from 2012 to 2021 and was selected as an All-Star for six consecutive years, from 2015 to 2020.
He last played for the Philadelphia 76ers , where he was primarily used as a mentor for their young guards. Lowry appeared in only 14 games, averaging 8.4 minutes and 1.2 points per game.
He couldn’t hide his gratitude after the Raptors revealed their special gift to him.
“It’s all about you. I appreciate you. Thank you. Thank you, Toronto. Thank you, Canada. And as I always told y’all, it’s officially happening,” he said.
“I’m retiring as a Toronto Raptor — 20 years and 1 day. Seven forever. I love y’all. Peace.”
Mar 25, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Kyle Lowry (7) reacts to his score against the Chicago Bulls during the fourth quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Raptors has custom Kyle Lowry logo
The Raptors have always been a franchise that values and celebrates its stars. Their latest gesture comes as they continue to honor former players and reconnect with the team’s history .
Vince Carter is another former Raptors star who received a tribute from the team . During the 2024-25 season, the Raptors released a series of retro logos, which included their Velociraptor logo emulating Carter’s between the leg dunk.
Lowry is getting the same tribute.
A legacy too big for one night pic.twitter.com/lRk9UVDCpj
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) August 25, 2026
The move was generally well-received by fans and NBA observers.
Sam Quinn of CBS Sports called the Canadian team the gold standard for returning players.
The Raptors are the best team in the NBA when it comes to honoring their former players. This is cool as hell, and the Kawhi tribute in 2019 remains the gold standard of “returning franchise icon” celebrations. https://t.co/HDt1MMjJgN
— Sam Quinn (@SamQuinnCBS) August 25, 2026
Another fan thought it is a cool and generous gimmick.
The Raptors turning their legends into Raptors and making them part of the logo is easily one of the coolest things any sports team has ever done. I hope they keep doing this for every future jersey retiree. https://t.co/fBuFTlK2kt pic.twitter.com/eYo0jfXUzQ
— Key (@PleaseMasai) August 25, 2026
Dec 11, 2019; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) shakes hands with Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Ouuuuuuu, the Toronto Raptors might be getting a new aura court this season. https://t.co/lxwSchgDqA pic.twitter.com/0ddBthUoab
— Omer Osman (@OmerOsman200) August 25, 2026
WE ARE GETTING A LOWRY RAPTOR DESIGN!!! NOT A DRILL!!! https://t.co/qDK6EMujfH
— HoopGrids.com (@HoopGrids) August 25, 2026
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