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The Boston Celtics should pursue Kyle Lowry this offseason

By Dylan Thompson

BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 28: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors shoots the ball over Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics during a game at TD Garden on December 28, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 28: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors shoots the ball over Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics during a game at TD Garden on December 28, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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The Boston Celtics enter this offseason lacking depth at the point guard position after trading Kemba Walker to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

As currently constructed, the team’s starting one would be Marcus Smart and the backup point guard would be Payton Pritchard. I think that it would be a bad decision for the Cs to stick with Smart, and they should look to upgrade at the position.

The ideal upgrade would be to pursue Kyle Lowry this offseason.

Lowry, 35, is entering free agency this summer and is one of the top point guards on the market.

Last season, the veteran played in 46 games and averaged 17.2 points, 7.3 assists, and 5.4 rebounds per game while shooting 43 percent from the field, 39 percent from deep, and 87 percent from the free-throw line.

Lowry enters this offseason looking for what could be his last big payday.

He’s at the stage in his career where he wants to play for a contender, and that will have to be away from Toronto. The Raptors were a sub-.500 team last year, and they are looking to rebuild.

I think the Raptors will be fine letting Lowry go because they can draft his replacement with the fourth pick in this year’s draft.

I think the Boston Celtics should address the point guard position and make a run at the 2019 NBA Champion.

Despite the Kemba Walker trade, the Celtics still lack the cap space to sign Lowry outright. As a result, they will need to make a sign-and-trade with Toronto for him.

Perhaps an offer consisting of Marcus Smart, Tristan Thompson, and Aaron Nesmith in exchange for the point guard wouldn’t be such a bad place to start.

This would solve the team’s point guard problem as they get an experienced veteran at the position with a championship pedigree and ample postseason experience.

Lowry would also be a perfect fit with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown because he can play off the ball, and he showed that during his championship run with Kawhi Leonard in 2019.

Ultimately, I think the Boston Celtics should offer Kyle Lowry a two-year deal (player option on the second) at an average salary of $25 million per year.

I think Kyle Lowry makes the Celtics a contender, and it’s something that Brad Stevens should consider this offseason.

Next. 2 Collin Sexton trade ideas worth considering. dark