Heat's Kyle Lowry Not Traded at Deadline amid Clippers Rumors

Miami Heat point guard Kyle Lowry's name has been frequently mentioned in trade rumors, but the six-time All-Star will be staying in town after the deadline passed without a move.

According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, the Heat did not make any deals ahead of Thursday's deadline:

Jackson, Anthony Chiang and David Wilson of the Miami Herald reported earlier Thursday that Miami was "focused" on a Lowry trade, with the Los Angeles Clippers as a potential landing spot.

Lowry, 36, is averaging 12.0 points on 39.6 percent shooting (33.3 percent from three-point range), 5.3 assists and 4.3 rebounds per game.

He has not played since Feb. 2 as he deals with a knee injury, with Jackson adding a return is not "imminent":

The Villanova product has played in the NBA for 17 seasons. He made the All-Star Game six straight times from 2015-2020 while he was a member of the Toronto Raptors. He also ran point for the 2018-19 champion Raptors.

The guard joined Miami on a three-year, $85 million contract in free agency before the 2021-22 season. He helped guide the team to within one win of an Eastern Conference title before it fell to the Boston Celtics.

Unfortunately, Lowry's season has been hampered by knee issues (soreness, discomfort). He missed multiple games in December and January and is currently out with left knee soreness, per Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald:

Lowry is still an effective and productive player when healthy, as evidenced by a 24-point, 15-assist, 10-rebound triple-double against the Washington Wizards in November.

But it's clear that he hasn't been at 100 percent based on his shooting marks and career-low 12.3 player efficiency rating.

Regardless of his offensive woes, Lowry is still an experienced and talented point guard who's been tremendously successful for much of his career. His best days may be behind him, but there may be enough left in the tank for him to remain productive and effective for Miami.