76ers Should Target Hornets’ Kyle Lowry amid NBA Rumors Entering Trade Deadline 2024

Kyle Lowry was traded on Jan. 23, and he could be dealt again prior to the NBA trade deadline on Thursday. And even if he’s not, the 37-year-old guard could change teams before the end of the 2023-24 season.

Since Lowry was traded from the Miami Heat to the Charlotte Hornets last month, it’s been apparent that he could be moved once more. That’s why the Hornets haven’t had Lowry take the court for a game since the acquisition.

According to veteran NBA reporter Marc Stein, Charlotte is “said to be having ongoing discussions with multiple teams.” The Orlando Magic are “in the mix as a team that has expressed exploratory trade interest,” per Stein.

However, it remains possible the Hornets won’t be able to work out a trade for Lowry. If that’s the case, they could buy out his contract (considering he isn’t a fit on their roster at the moment) and make him an unrestricted free agent.

More teams could have interest in bringing in Lowry at that point. Stein reported both the Philadelphia 76ers and the Los Angeles Lakers would be potential landing spots for the veteran guard in that scenario.

Of the teams rumored to be in potential pursuit of Lowry, the 76ers could be the best fit as they try to hold onto a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

Philadelphia has lost six of its past seven games, and it is going to be without star center Joel Embiid, who will be undergoing surgery on his left meniscus. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported Embiid could still return this season, though.

If it becomes clear that Embiid will be back, then the Sixers should continue pushing for a playoff spot, as they could still be a factor come April and May.

Lowry could be the type of veteran addition that helps Philadelphia stay afloat. His numbers have been down this season (an average of 8.2 points and 4.0 assists over 37 games for Miami), but he could benefit from a change of scenery.

After spending three seasons with the Heat, Lowry (an 18-year NBA veteran) is likely nearing the end of his career. But his short break from playing (while sitting on the Hornets’ roster) could help give him a boost for one strong final push down the stretch this season.

At the least, Lowry could be a strong presence in Philadelphia’s locker room, which features younger guards such as Tyrese Maxey (23) and De’Anthony Melton (25). Lowry may be a beneficial mentor, even if his level of play doesn’t reach what it once was.

It probably wouldn’t be the best idea for the 76ers to give up assets in exchange for Lowry. And they likely know that, which is why they haven’t been rumored to be a potential trade partner for the Hornets.

But if this Lowry situation ends up with him becoming a UFA, it makes quite a bit of sense for him to head to Philadelphia for the next few months.