Kyle Lowry has no intention of leaving Toronto Raptors despite Kawhi Leonard’s decision to move on.
The Raptors claimed the NBA Championship last season but their hopes of claiming back-to-back titles have taken a huge hit following Leonard’s move to the Los Angeles Clippers.
The two-time NBA Finals MVP cited a desire to be closer to his family as the key reason for his switch to LA, and Lowry respects his former teammate’s decision.
However, the six-time All-Star insists he is happy in Toronto and he isn’t thinking about leaving anytime soon.
“I want to be there – I would love to do a long extension, but we’ll see what happens,” said Lowry, as reported by Sky Sports. “I’m here for USA Basketball and [to] support the guys and be around the group. I would love to be there long term, but we’ll have that discussion when the time is right.”
Leonard spent just one season in Toronto but played a vital role in the team landing a first ever Championship and Lowry has paid tribute to the two-time Defensive Player of the Year.
He added: “I am happy for the guys that – especially a guy that helped do something fantastic and something great. “He’s an unbelievable friend of mine and is a good guy. He made a decision to go home and he is happy with that and I am happy for him. Truly.”
Toronto are 34.00 to win the NBA Championship next season and the Clippers are rated as the 4.33 favourites.