DeMar DeRozan was among the first to find out that Kyle Lowry would be traded from the Miami Heat to the Charlotte Hornets this week.
Lowry phoned DeRozan early on Tuesday to inform him about the trade before it became public knowledge. For DeRozan, it was a tough blow, not as a player or rival but as a long-time friend.
DeRozan expressed his disappointment, saying, “It was awful. For me, supporting him as a friend takes precedence over basketball. Last night, I simply texted him before going to bed to ask about his mental state. That's what matters most. Everything else will sort itself out.”
At this stage of their careers, both players grasp the reality of the industry. Lowry stood by DeRozan when he was traded by the Raptors without any discussion or comfort in 2018. At that point, they had been teammates for six seasons in Toronto and were close friends both on and off the court.
As the NBA trade deadline approaches each year, DeRozan knows to brace for the inevitable uncertainty that the market brings.
“Around this time of year, it's important to keep an open mind because anything can happen,” DeRozan commented. “You just try to focus on what you can control, and when something happens, we all start checking Twitter, Instagram, and social media to see what's next.”
Charlotte may not be the final destination for Lowry. Reports suggest that the Hornets have been looking to trade Lowry; if this doesn't materialize, they may negotiate a buyout of his contract.
With an open roster spot and some flexibility below the luxury tax, the Bulls have a need for backup guards due to ongoing backcourt injuries.
This leads to the obvious question: Could Lowry be a good fit in Chicago?
DeRozan stated, “Kyle will fit in anywhere where I'm at.”
An on-court reunion has never been a priority for DeRozan and Lowry. Despite moving away from Toronto, the pair has remained close friends but have not conspired to end up on the same team.
“What's interesting is that we never really discuss it,” said DeRozan, 34. “We mostly reminisce about the past days, moments, and situations. But we don't try to bring up the present.”
However, this doesn't mean he wouldn't value the opportunity to play alongside his friend again.
Acquiring Lowry, a six-time All-Star, would pose significant lineup questions in Chicago. The Bulls believe strongly in Coby White's ability to lead as the starting point guard. This means that Lowry would either play off-ball in the starting lineup or, more likely, take on the point guard role for the bench unit.
This is a foreseeable progression in Lowry's career. The Heat were aiming to change their point guard position during the offseason when they pursued Damian Lillard. It's natural that, at 37, Lowry might assume a more supportive role with his next team.
Keeping this in mind, DeRozan expressed his willingness to facilitate discussions between Lowry and the Bulls' management if either is interested in making a move to bring the guard to Chicago.
DeRozan said, "If that was something he wanted to do, yes, why not? He is one of my closest friends and one of the smartest players I've played with since I entered the league. Why not?"
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