First Kawhi, now Kyle Lowry to also return to Raptors — for a day

Lowry will be honoured in 2026-27 season by the franchise he's most connected to.

Published Jul 02, 2026  •  2 minute read

Kyle Lowry celebrates with his sons Kameron and Karter after defeating the Milwaukee Bucks 100-94 in Game 6 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Scotiabank Arena on May 25, 2019. Photo by Gregory Shamus /Getty Images

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We all knew it was going to happen, but now we know when Kyle Lowry will sign a one-day contract to retire as a Toronto Raptor.

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Lowry, widely considered the ‘GROAT’ (greatest Raptor of all-time), played in 14 games for his hometown Philadelphia 76ers in his 20th NBA season and is now set to make good on his long-time promise to return for a day to the city of his greatest success. Sportsnet’s Michael Grange first reported Thursday that Tuesday will be the big day, with Lowry and various special guests associated with the Raptors franchise and Lowry gathering for a “monumental moment” in Raptors history. Sources confirmed the morning gathering. It’s expected plans will be made to retire Lowry’s No. 7 jersey sometime in the upcoming season.

The Raptors retired Vince Carter’s No. 15 a couple of years ago during the franchise’s 30th season and it was seen as a slam dunk that Lowry would follow whenever he hung up his sneakers. Lowry is the franchise leader in assists, steals, three-pointers, triple-doubles, win shares and value over replacement player.

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HIs huge Game 6 helped power the Kawhi Leonard-led Raptors to the only NBA title in franchise history in 2019 and he remained a huge fan favourite even after being traded to the Miami Heat in August of 2021. Lowry had first said in March of that year, after not being dealt at the trade deadline, “Let me say this: I will retire as a Toronto Raptor. One-day contract, hey, whatever happens,” Lowry had said.

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When he was in town with the Sixers this January, Lowry had repeated the vow.

“My goal — and I’ve committed to this and I never go from what I say — I will sign a one-day contract and retire as a Raptor. That has not changed,” he said after holding court for 10 minutes despite the fact his beloved Philadelphia Eagles were playing an NFL playoff game at the same time.

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Even just over a month ago Lowry said the same to the Toronto Sun‘s Mark Daniell in an interview about Lowry’s role as an analyst for Amazon Prime’s NBA broadcasts.

“I’m excited for what the future holds. It’s going to be a great time. But as I always said, I will retire as a Raptor and that still holds true,” Lowry had told the Sun. He added “I’m going to try not to cry. Vince Carter showed his emotions and it was such an amazing time and I’m looking forward to that moment.”

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