Image Source: USA Today Sports
[Saba Sports News] The Philadelphia 76ers are reportedly considering a move that would reunite head coach Nick Nurse with former Toronto Raptors All-Star guard Kyle Lowry. According to veteran NBA reporter Marc Stein on his Substack page, the Charlotte Hornets are expected to buy out Lowry, who was recently traded there from the Miami Heat in exchange for Terry Rozier. Stein notes that if Lowry reaches a buyout agreement with Charlotte, the 76ers are one of the interested teams.
Lowry, who is nearing 38 years old, would have to forgo a significant portion of his $29.7 million salary for this season in any buyout scenario. However, joining the 76ers could be an attractive option for him.
Lowry is originally from Philadelphia and would have the opportunity to chase another NBA championship with the 29-15 Sixers. Additionally, he has a strong history with Nurse, having played under him as head coach for three seasons (2018-2021) with the Raptors, a period that included multiple All-Star selections and a 2019 NBA championship. Nurse also worked with Lowry as an assistant coach before taking the head coach position.
Currently, the Sixers are faring well with Patrick Beverley as their backup point guard behind Tyrese Maxey. Although Beverley, who can also play shooting guard, is a versatile player, he doesn’t match Lowry’s consistent playmaking ability. A post-buyout reunion with Nurse in Philadelphia would appear to be an ideal situation for Lowry, though he is also attracting interest from another prominent team.