Kyle Lowry is reportedly set to retire next week at a special event in Toronto, the city most closely associated with his 20-year career in the NBA.
But Lowry didn’t appear to be happy that the news leaked ahead of time.
Sportsnet’s Michael Grange reported on Thursday that Lowry was going to sign a one day contract with the Raptors in order to retire as a member of the organization during a press conference on July 7.
Kyle Lowry smiles before the Raptors’ win over the Cavaliers on April 26, 2021 at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla. NBAE via Getty Images
The Raptors have billed the event as a “monumental moment” for the franchise, according to the report.
Grange’s report didn’t sit well with Lowry, who took to social media to criticize his announcement being usurped by the Sportsnet report.
“Wait for the word to come from me, not someone else!!! Smh,” he wrote in an Instagram Story post on Thursday.
The star point guard did not make any other comments besides that.
Lowry didn’t deny that he was retiring in his social media post on Thursday, which seemed to be a response to the Sportsnet report.
The report also indicated that Lowry would be given additional honors during the 2026-27 season, with the expectation being that he will have his No. 7 jersey retired into the rafters of Scotiabank Arena.
Lowry’s number would join the only other Raptor to be bestowed the honor, Vince Carter.
Lowry suited up for the Raptors from 2012-13 through 2020-21, averaging 17.5 points per game and shooting 42.5 percent from the field during his tenure north of the border.
His time in Toronto included helping the franchise win its first NBA championship in 2019 and he was part of the gold medal-winning Team USA squad at the 2016 Summer Olympics.
Lowry will retire as the franchise’s career leader in assists, steals, three-pointers made and playoff games won.
In addition to playing for the Raptors, Lowry played for the Rockets, Grizzlies Heat and 76ers.
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