While many thought that the 76ers didn’t land guard Kyle Lowry at the NBA trade deadline because Daryl Morey didn’t reach Toronto’s asking price, that doesn’t seem to be the case. Lowry appeared on C.J. McCollum’s “Pull Up” podcast and discussed the March negotiations and what exactly went down. 

You can listen to the full interview with Kyle Lowry here:

According to Lowry, he had a say in where he wanted to be traded, and Philly was one of the top suitors. Unfortunately for the Sixers, Kyle Lowry decided that he didn’t want to be traded and wanted to stay with Toronto to end the season.

Kyle Lowry is a Philadelphia native, and the Sixers fanbase thought a homecoming was in place before their playoff push last season. The rumored package would’ve included some combination of Tyrese Maxey, Matisse Thybulle, or draft picks. Eventually, Miami landed the veteran point guard in a sign and trade in free agency, which included Goran Dragic and Precious Achiuwa.

At first glance, it seems like Lowry just didn’t want to leave the Raptors and was being loyal, but after he left for the Heat this offseason, it looks like he just didn’t want to join the 76ers. Philly was pursuing Lowry in the offseason, and if he wanted to play here, they could’ve matched his lucrative contract through a sign and trade. For the 76ers, they are now stuck in trade negotiations for Ben Simmons while the market continues to dry up.

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