Lowry to opt out of Raptors contract, will become free agent

Kyle Lowry is looking to get paid or leave town.

Or both.

After a huge year, the point guard confirmed with reporters on Monday that he will opt out of his contract with the Raptors to become an unrestricted free agent in the offseason.

Expected as it was, Kyle Lowry made it official this AM in Toronto, telling local reporters: "I will be opting out" to become a free agent

— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) May 8, 2017

By opting out, the 31-year-old is forcing the Raptors to either pay him big money or risk him leaving town for another interested suitor.

During the season the three-time All-Star experienced a career year, averaging 22.4 points and seven assists per game, helping the Raptors to another 50-win season.

Lowry will surely get a raise on the $12 million he earned in 2016-17. He’ll get paid like a star player, but he says a championship is what he’s after.

"A ring. Nothing else. I just want s ring." – Lowry on free agent priorities

— Blake Murphy (@BlakeMurphyODC) May 8, 2017

It’s been rumoured that Lowry was looking to head west, and claiming he just wants a ring adds fuel to that fire.

The Raptors can pay Lowry up to $205 million over five years, the most of any team in free agency. But if he wants a ring, time is running out to get one.

After being stalled twice in the playoffs by LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, heading west may be his best bet at reaching the Finals and capturing a title.

Late-season rumbles that Kyle Lowry will give legit thought to a free-agent switch to the West are sure to rise in volume after this series

— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) May 7, 2017

The Raptors crashed out of the postseason on Sunday after a sweep in the second round by the Cavaliers. Lowry missed the last two games of the series with an ankle injury.

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