NBA: First night of free agency has big names staying and going, as Lowry and Paul decide futures

Miami, Florida - Kyle Lowry and Chris Paul headlined the first day of free agency in the NBA, as one decided to take his talents to South Beach while the other is sticking around to try for another shot at a title.

Kyle Lowry helped lead the Raptors to the NBA Championship in 2019
Kyle Lowry helped lead the Raptors to the NBA Championship in 2019  © IMAGO / ZUMA Wire

Lowry (35), quite likely the most successful Raptor in Toronto’s franchise history, has chosen to depart the NBA’s only team north of the border to head south as a new member of the Miami Heat. He was able to make his move via a sign and trade deal between both teams. Lowry is set to make $90 million over three years, while the Raptors will get Precious Achiuwa and Goran Dragic.

The point guard played up in Toronto for nine years and helped lead the team to its first and only NBA championship in 2019. Though his name was bandied about leading up to this past March’s trade deadline, nothing ever came to fruition after the Raptors got offers from the Lakers, Sixers, and his new team, the Heat.

Going into his 15th season, Lowry is an NBA champ, six-time All-Star, and a member of the 2016 All-NBA third team.

Chris Paul has unfinished business in Phoenix, but not much time left to take care of it

Chris Paul led the Suns to the NBA Finals last season, but lost to the Bucks in six games
Chris Paul led the Suns to the NBA Finals last season, but lost to the Bucks in six games  © IMAGO / ZUMA Wire

Coming off of the heartbreaking loss to the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA Finals back in June, Chris Paul has decided to stay with the Phoenix Suns in a big four-year deal that’ll keep him in the desert up until he turns 40-years-old. The 36-year-old, 11-time All-star is considered one of the league’s "elder statesmen," and very well could be the oldest active player by the time his contract has run its course.

His new deal could end up being worth a whopping $120 million, thanks to incentives. This looks to be the last ride for Paul, who is still trying to get his hands on an elusive NBA title. He had just declined a $44 million player option for the upcoming season just a day earlier. This wasn’t terrible news for the Suns, as many players in Paul’s position often decline a year offer in favor of a more lengthy contract that’s financially beneficial to both sides – which is exactly what was put on the table eventually.

This past season, Paul averaged 16.4 points 8.9 assists, and 1.4 steals per game.

Cover photo: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire

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