By: Jesse Larch, Sports Talk Philly Staff
The Sixers will not pursue prized free agent guard Kyle Lowry, according to Marc Stein of ESPN:
Among the many questions post-trade: How does the Boston/Philly deal impact Kyle Lowry's July? The Sixers are obviously no longer an option.
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) June 18, 2017
Related: Deal Done: Sixers – Celtics Trade Call Planned for Monday
The trade mentioned by Stein is the blockbuster deal between the Sixers and Boston Celtics that will net the Sixers the first overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. The Sixers are expected to select Washington guard Markelle Fultz.
Adding Fultz to the team will fill the role that Lowry would have filled. Lowry is a Philadelphia native, and played his college ball at Villanova. Because of his local roots, and his skill set, he was considered a good fit for the Sixers.
The 31-year old is expected to receive a max contract after building a reputation as one of the best point guards in the league during his time with the Toronto Raptors. Lowry has been an All-Star selection in each of the last three seasons, and won a gold medal with team USA at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.