Full Breakdown
Kyle Lowry to Retire with the Toronto Raptors via One-Day Contract
7/3/2026, 4:13:14 PM
One-Day Contract and Retirement Announcement
Kyle Lowry will sign a one-day contract with the Toronto Raptors and announce his retirement at a press conference on Tuesday, July 7. The Raptors describe the event as a “monumental moment” in franchise history. Lowry, who wore No. 7, will retire in the jersey of the club where he holds the franchise records for assists, steals, three-pointers, playoff games won and floor burns earned.
Background & Context
Lowry began his NBA career with the Memphis Grizzlies and Houston Rockets before being traded to Toronto in July 2012. Over nine seasons he became the centerpiece of the Raptors, leading them to the 2019 NBA championship and earning a 2016 Olympic gold medal with Team USA. After a 2021-22 trade to the Miami Heat, he finished his career with the Philadelphia 76ers, fulfilling a pledge to retire with Toronto.
Data & Statistics
Lowry’s 20-year career includes 1,187 regular-season games, 138 playoff games, and averages of 17.5 points, 7.1 assists, 4.9 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game with Toronto. He is the franchise’s all-time leader in assists, steals and three-point field goals, ranks eighth in NBA history for total assists and 14th for three-pointers, and is a six-time All-Star and 2015-16 All-NBA Third Team member.
Official Statements & Responses
Sportsnet’s Michael Grange reported that the Raptors have scheduled the July 7 press conference to honor Lowry, calling it a “monumental moment.” Sources say the ceremony will lay groundwork for further recognition of Lowry as the “GROAT” (Greatest Raptor of All-Time) in the 2026-27 season, including a possible jersey retirement at Scotiabank Arena where his No. 7 could join Vince Carter’s No. 15. Lowry confirmed the plan on Instagram.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Lowry’s length of service with Toronto: three describe nine seasons (2012-13 to 2020-21), while another cites eight seasons. The timing of a jersey retirement is only projected for the 2026-27 season, with no details on ceremony participants or logistics.
What’s Next
The July 7 press conference will officially mark Lowry’s retirement; a jersey retirement is anticipated during the 2026-27 season.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The team has planned an event and press conference for Tuesday, July 7 — Lowry wore No. 7 — billing it to invitees as a” — Michael Grange, Sportsnet.
- “The event on Tuesday is expected to set the stage for additional recognition of the so-called GROAT (the Greatest Raptor of All-Time) as the 2026-27 season unfolds, per sources, with a likely jersey retirement planned at Scotiabank Arena during the regular season, where Lowry's No.” — Michael Grange, Sportsnet.
