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

Paul KasabianFeatured Columnist IIFebruary 9, 2023

Miami Heat's Kyle Lowry (7) during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the New York Knicks Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

AP Photo/Frank Franklin II

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:

Barry Jackson @flasportsbuzz
Heat did not make trade before deadline. They have flexibility with 2 open roster spots and exception money to be active in buyout market, which is their intention.

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":

Barry Jackson @flasportsbuzz
Lowry's return from knee soreness/inflammation is not considered imminent. Could take some time but expectation is he will play again this season. Read on Lowry's health could help determine aggressiveness in what should be interesting PG buyout market.

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.

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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:

Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
Kyle Lowry will remain out for at least the next three games because of the left knee issue. His situation is still to be determined beyond that.

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.