The Sixers remain in pursuit of Kyle Lowry, though some around the league believe the Heat are the clear frontrunner for the soon-to-be 35-year-old’s services.
The Raptors have pushed for Tyler Herro to be included in the framework of their deal with the Heat, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. However, sources tell FortyEightMinutes.com that there’s a belief that the two sides can get there without Herro being involved.
Miami would also like to protect Duncan Robinson, though it remains to be seen if the organization can pull off a Lowry deal without including the sharpshooter.
It’s unclear what exactly Philadelphia has offered, though the speculated package around the league is Matisse Thybulle or Tyrese Maxey as well as picks and salary filler. One rival executive tells FortyEightMinutes that the Sixers’ package is seen as better than Miami’s perceived offer, assuming Herro is not in the mix.
Toronto has had negotiations with both Philadelphia and Miami as well as other teams, including the Lakers (as Adrian Wojnarowski explained on ESPN earlier today). Los Angeles would likely have to include a pair of vets out of the Dennis Schroder–Kentavious Caldwell-Pope–Montrezl Harrell trio in order to match Lowry’s $30.5 million in a trade. There has been no indication that Toronto is interested in Los Angeles’ offerings.
Toronto is expected to take Lowry’s preference into account when making a decision in the trade, however, and as Woj reported on Tuesday night, the point guard may be leaning toward the Heat.
Philadelphia is aware of the landscape and Daryl Morey & Co. are not sitting idle. The franchise is looking at various options in the backcourt, including George Hill and Lonzo Ball.
The Sixers also have interest in fellow Raptor Norman Powell and the Sixers’ chances of trading for Powell might be greater than their chances of acquiring Lowry, a source indicated while cautioning that neither is closing in on fruition. Powell, who is in the final year of his contract, has multiple suitors around the league and is likely to be traded prior to the deadline.
