Report: Sixers, Heat “Leaders in Pursuit to Acquire” Kyle Lowry

As Thursday 3 p.. NBA trade deadline approaches, the Sixers continue to explore ways to improve their first-place team to make an NBA Finals push.

Sixers team President Daryl Morey has always been creative and is never afraid to make a splash, that's why the Sixers are considered one of the "leaders in pursuit to acquire" Kyle Lowry according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.

The Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers are leaders in pursuit to acquire Lowry, sources told The Athletic, and several rival team executives are monitoring the situation as well as which young player or asset either team could part with.

Both Miami and Philadelphia have championship aspirations this season and Lowry wants to compete for a title, meaning his time in Toronto could be coming to a close.

Those with knowledge of Lowry’s mindset believe he wants to compete for a championship, however, and that is what makes this season in Toronto so complicated. Lowry and the Raptors have built such a relationship that both sides would work on any potential trade or decision for him to stay through the deadline, and the latter scenario would leave for a more organic end to the campaign prior to his summer free agency.

Lowry of course is a Philadelphia and native and played his college ball at Villanova and has a strong friendship with Heat star Jimmy Butler, making Philly and Miami strong potential destinations.  The Clippers are also said to be interested in the Raports guard.

Get our free mobile app

Could Lowry be the missing piece for the Sixers?  The team has played well without MVP candidate Joel Embiid, but its clear they need more to compete in a seven game series with Brooklyn, Milwaukee and others in the east. While the Sixers may be able to compete with those teams as constructed, if they truly have NBA title aspirations, a move like this necessary.

What would they have to include in such a deal?  While that remains to be scene you can start with Danny Green's contact, a player like Tyrese Maxey or Matisee Tybulle and more.