After joining the team in the buyout market last season, Philly native Kyle Lowry has signed a one-year deal with the Sixers to remain in Philadelphia next season.
The news was first announced via Instagram and then reported by The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
After being traded by the Miami Heat to the Charlotte Hornets, the 38-year-old guard was bought out of his contract last season so that he could sign with the Sixers and pursue a playoff push with his hometown team.
During his time with the team, he averaged eight points and 4.6 assists per game, starting in 20 of the 23 games he played for Philadelphia. Lowry played an important role both down the stretch of the regular season and in the playoffs.
Ultimately, Lowry and the team failed to make it past a first-round matchup against the New York Knicks, leaving both parties with a fair amount of unfinished business.
Lowry’s return is another positive development for the Sixers this offseason and further cements the job Daryl Morey has done, reshaping this team in a year.
The 18-year veteran adds another quality veteran voice to round out a roster led by Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and new addition Paul George. Lowry’s strong leadership abilities were on full display in Philadelphia last season and will once again be an important addition this season.
It’s not just the Sixers and his teammates that Lowry is returning to, as he is now set to play his fifth season under head coach Nick Nurse. The two spent nearly a decade together with the Toronto Raptors association from 2013 until Lowry’s departure in 2021 as Nurse coached as an assistant turned head coach in that time.
Lowry’s role is undetermined at this time. Logic suggests a move to the bench for the former champion, as Kelly Oubre is rumored to be the initial starter at shooting guard, Tyrese Maxey taking on full-time point guard responsibilities, and Paul George and Caleb Martin holding down the forward spots.
Now back in a Sixers uniform, Lowry and the team will look to improve on last year’s disappointing season with their new-look roster.
