Aldridge: Kyle Lowry Trade Less Likely Now

For weeks, Lowry was on the trading block. A deal was in the works with the Knicks for Raymond Felton, Metta World Peace and another young player, until Knicks chairman James Dolan reportedly scotched the trade, unwilling to also add a future first-rounder.

But, now, Toronto’s in a bit of a bind: The Raptors are playing well, they have a team that fits better since the Rudy Gay trade and Lowry has been sensational. Per Basketball-Reference.com, Lowry’s Win Shares — an estimate of the wins contributed by a single player to his team — is 7.6, trailing only trailing Kevin Durant (13 wins), LeBron James (9.7), Kevin Love (9.5), Curry and Blake Griffin (8.2 apiece).

Now it appears the Raptors are less likely than more likely to trade Lowry by the deadline. If a team overwhelmed them with an offer, they’d most assuredly listen, but the likelihood is growing that Lowry will finish the season in Toronto. The chance of a division championship is too enticing.

via David Aldridge of NBA.com.