The seasoned veteran of the Charlotte Hornets has reached an agreement with the team for a buyout, a decision made official on Saturday. As per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, he will be joining the Philadelphia 76ers for the remainder of the 2023-24 season, inking a deal worth $2.8 million.
This move aligns with Lowry’s longstanding desire to return to his roots in Philadelphia, where he initially hails from and where he honed his skills in college basketball at Villanova, Wojnarowski noted.
The contract details were disclosed by agent Bartelstein to ESPN, confirming the $2.8 million deal for the rest of the season.
The transition doesn’t come as a shock to many observers. It was widely speculated that Charlotte was merely a temporary stop for the seasoned point guard following the trade that sent him and a 2027 lottery-protected first-round pick from the Miami Heat to the Hornets in exchange for Terry Rozier in late January.
The Hornets’ rebuilding trajectory, centered around emerging talents like LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, didn’t quite align with Lowry’s career timeline. While there was potential for him to serve as a mentor, the veteran’s aspirations leaned more towards contending for a championship.
At 37 years old, Lowry’s playing years are winding down, making the pursuit of a title with a competitive team a logical choice.
His on-court contributions remain to be seen. Lowry started the first 35 games of the season for the Heat before transitioning to a bench role, indicating his tenure in Miami was nearing its end.
Averaging 8.2 points and 4.0 assists per game with the Heat, shooting at 42.6 percent from the field and 38.5 percent from beyond the arc, his prime years as a six-time All-Star and impactful playmaker are behind him.
Nonetheless, a contending team might take a gamble on his ability to recapture some of that magic for a potential championship push.
In Philadelphia, Lowry is slated to team up with Tyrese Maxey in the backcourt. While it may not be a game-changing move, especially amidst uncertainty surrounding Joel Embiid’s playing status due to a knee injury, Lowry’s championship experience, familiarity with head coach Nick Nurse from their shared time in Toronto, and his reliable depth make him a valuable addition to the Sixers’ roster.
