Kyle Lowry Retires as Toronto Raptor, Jersey to be Retired

Kyle Lowry officially announced his retirement from the NBA on Tuesday, July 7, by signing a ceremonial one-day contract to retire as a member of the Toronto Raptors. This move fulfills Lowry's long-held desire to conclude his career with the franchise that defined a significant portion of his Hall of Fame-caliber journey. The point guard, who played for the Raptors from 2012 to 2021, is widely regarded as the Greatest Raptor of All-Time (GROAT).

During a press conference at the OVO Athletic Centre, Raptors general manager Bobby Webster announced that Lowry's iconic #7 jersey will be raised to the rafters at Scotiabank Arena during the upcoming 2026-27 NBA season. This honor makes Lowry only the second player in franchise history to have his number retired, following in the footsteps of Vince Carter. Lowry expressed his deep emotional connection to the city and the team, stating, "I always said I would retire as a Raptor, and to be able to do that today means everything to me. This place, I call it home."

Lowry's tenure with the Raptors was transformative, leading the team to its first-ever NBA Championship in 2019. He became the franchise's all-time leader in assists, steals, and three-pointers, solidifying his legacy as a cornerstone of the team's success. The press conference featured emotional moments, including a surprise FaceTime call from former teammate Vince Carter and an in-person appearance from Kawhi Leonard, who was instrumental in the 2019 championship run alongside Lowry.

The 40-year-old Lowry's career spanned two decades, and his impact extends beyond statistics, deeply influencing Toronto's basketball culture. His gritty play and leadership were pivotal in shifting the franchise's trajectory and establishing a winning tradition. The ceremonial signing and impending jersey retirement underscore his profound and lasting significance to the Toronto Raptors and their fanbase.