Kyle Lowry signed a one-day contract on July 7, 2026, to officially retire as a member of the Toronto Raptors [5].
The move fulfills a promise Lowry made when he was traded to the Miami Heat in 2021 [2, 5]. By returning to the franchise for his final professional act, Lowry secures a legacy as the cornerstone of the team that brought a championship to Canada.
Lowry, 40, announced the retirement at the OVO Athletic Centre [3, 4]. The team will retire his No. 7 jersey at Scotiabank Arena [4]. This honor recognizes a career defined by grit and leadership, earning him the nickname "the GROAT" among fans and teammates [1, 2].
Over the course of 20 NBA seasons, Lowry established himself as one of the most impactful guards in the league [2]. He spent nine seasons with the Raptors, where he played a pivotal role in the team winning the NBA championship in 2019 [5].
"I never thought I would be here," Lowry said [4].
The one-day contract allows Lowry to conclude his playing days with the organization where he achieved his greatest professional success [5, 6]. Beyond the court, Lowry is transitioning into new professional ventures, including joining the ownership team for the WNBA's Tempo [3].
Lowry's tenure in Toronto is regarded as a transformative era for basketball in Canada. His departure from the team years ago created a void that this formal return seeks to close, providing a definitive end to his playing career in the city that embraced him most.
“"I never thought I would be here,"”
Lowry's return to the Raptors via a one-day contract is a symbolic gesture common among NBA legends to ensure their career ends with their most significant franchise. It cements his status as the face of Toronto basketball and ensures his influence remains tied to the city's sports identity through the retirement of his jersey.
