Kyle Lowry kept his final promise. On July 7, 2026, the 40-year-old point guard ceremonially signed a one-day contract with the Toronto Raptors to officially retire as a member of the franchise that made him a legend, ending a 20-year NBA career.
Lowry, widely regarded as the Greatest Raptor Of All Time (GROAT), closed out an extraordinary career filled with accomplishments: NBA champion in 2019 with Toronto, Olympic gold medalist with Team USA, six-time All-Star, and a member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.
"I always said I wanted to come back to Toronto to finish where it all began," an emotional Lowry said at a press conference. "This city, these fans, this franchise gave me everything. Being here today, signing this ceremonial contract, and being able to say I ended my career as a Raptor is a dream come true."
The Raptors announced that Lowry's No. 7 jersey will be retired and raised to the Scotiabank Arena rafters next season, joining Vince Carter's No. 15 — a decision that cements the point guard's indelible impact on the franchise's history.
Arriving in Toronto via trade in 2012, Lowry transformed not only his own career but the entire identity of the team. Alongside DeMar DeRozan, he laid the foundation for the winning cycle that culminated in the trade for Kawhi Leonard and the franchise's first NBA title in 2019. In nine seasons with Toronto (2012-2021), Lowry averaged 17.5 points, 7.1 assists, and 4.7 rebounds, becoming the franchise's all-time assist leader.
After leaving Toronto in 2021, Lowry played for the Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, and Charlotte Hornets, proving he still had plenty to offer despite his advancing age. But his heart always remained in Canada.
"Kyle embodies what it means to be a Raptor," said Masai Ujiri, the franchise's president. "Grit, leadership, sacrifice, and unconditional love for this city. His legacy goes far beyond statistics — he changed the culture of this organization."
With Lowry's retirement, the curtain falls on one of the most iconic careers in modern NBA history. An overlooked point guard who became a champion and future Hall of Famer, proving that hard work, determination, and heart can lead to the highest achievements.
Sources
- AP News — Kyle Lowry signs with Raptors and retires, ending 20-year NBA career: https://apnews.com/article/kyle-lowry-nba-raptors-retires-30dc2e37fde56c5b7f52d61cbcd4c47b
- NBA — Kyle Lowry stats and profile: https://www.nba.com/player/200768/kyle-lowry
