Full Breakdown
Kyle Lowry Retires as a Raptor, Jersey Set for Scotiabank Arena Rafters
7/10/2026, 11:18:37 AM
Retirement Announcement and Immediate Plans
On Tuesday, July 7, Kyle Lowry signed a one-day contract with the Toronto Raptors to retire as a member of the franchise after a 20-year NBA career. The Raptors announced that Lowry’s No. 7 jersey will be retired during the 2026-27 season, with a charity golf tournament, a block party and a gala slated for September. Lowry also joined his wife, Ayahna Cornish-Lowry, in the ownership group of the WNBA’s Toronto Tempo, marking a “full-circle” moment for the former point guard.
Background & Context
Lowry was acquired by Toronto in July 2012 and quickly became the cornerstone of a turnaround that produced five consecutive 50-win seasons, nine playoff series victories and the franchise’s first NBA championship in 2019. He entered the league as the 24th overall pick of the 2006 draft, played for Memphis, Houston and Miami, and spent his final three seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers before returning to Toronto for his retirement. Lowry finished with 13.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game, ranking first in Raptors history for assists, steals and three-pointers made.
Official Statements & Responses
Raptors president Bobby Webster called Lowry “the greatest Raptor of all time” and said the jersey retirement will place Lowry alongside Vince Carter’s No. 15 in the Scotiabank Arena rafters. General manager Bobby Webster added that Lowry’s “brand of basketball…every possession for him was life and death.” Toronto mayor Olivia Chow issued a proclamation declaring July 7, 2026 “Kyle Lowry Day,” praising his impact on the city and Canadian basketball. The organization also announced three theme nights in September to honor Lowry’s career.
Criticism & Opposition
When the Raptors retired Vince Carter’s jersey in 2024, a segment of the fan base expressed mixed feelings, arguing that the honor should have waited for a player with a longer tenure. That debate resurfaced as analysts discussed the timing of Lowry’s jersey retirement, though no formal opposition to the decision has been recorded.
On-the-Ground Reports
Fans flooded social media with tributes immediately after Lowry’s announcement, highlighting his moniker “the GROAT” (Greatest Raptor of All Time). During the press conference, former Raptor Vince Carter FaceTimed Lowry to congratulate him, and 2019 Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard was present, later sharing a brief hug with Lowry. Former teammate DeMar DeRozan, now a free agent, said he talks with Lowry daily and will attend the jersey-raising ceremony.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The Raptors have confirmed that Lowry’s jersey will be retired “next season,” but the exact date has not been set pending the NBA schedule release. No alternative dates have been reported.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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. I’m retiring as a Toronto Raptor — 20 years and one day.” — Kyle Lowry, social-media post
- “People thought they could use Canada and the Toronto Raptors as some way to elevate their game, so they can go somewhere else to play in the States,” — Alvin Williams, former Raptors scout and analyst
- “In many ways, I think of the franchise before Kyle and sort of after Kyle's arrival,” — Bobby Webster, Raptors president
- “All-Star game, yup, against Kawhi Leonard,” — Kyle Lowry, press conference response
- “I had a great guy in my corner, in Larry, and I think his support, and his wife, Judy’s support, kind of made it really feel like it was home,” — Kyle Lowry, remarks about ownership group leader Larry Tanenbaum
