Kyle Lowry is a Toronto Raptor again but don't expect to see him on court

Kyle Lowry is returning to the Toronto Raptors, this time for life.

On Tuesday at the OVO Athletic Centre in Toronto, Lowry announced that his 20-year career in the NBA would come to an end and that he would become the first NBA player to retire as a Raptor.

"It is with my honour to announce that we will be retiring Kyle's iconic #7 this season at Scotiabank Arena," said Raptors GM Bobby Webster.

"Twenty NBA seasons, six NBA All-Star appearances, and the all-time leader in assists, steals and three-pointers. Kyle played a brand of basketball that few in the NBA have matched."

A message from Kyle to Raptors fans. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/mOud8L0oEB

— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) July 7, 2026

Lowry spent nine of his 20 NBA seasons with the Raptors, becoming a six-time All-Star and ultimately leading the city to its first NBA championship in franchise history during the 2018-19 season.

He also remains Toronto's all-time leader in assists, steals and three-pointers.

Lowry referred to retiring as a Toronto Raptor as a special moment he'd never thought would happen.

"I never thought I would be in this situation in my life. Words can't describe it. I always wanted to retire as a Toronto Raptor. This place is home. Everything about the city and the country has done special wonders for me," Lowry said.

The man of the hour, Kyle Lowry, takes the stage and reflects on his nine seasons as a Toronto Raptor.#WeTheNorth pic.twitter.com/R5noJn0Ut1

— Marley Dickinson (@marleydickinson) July 7, 2026

The 40-year-old will become only the second Raptors player to have his jersey raised up to the Scotiabank rafters, joining Vince Carter, who had his No.15 honoured during the 2024-25 season.

The exact date of Lowry's jersey retirement ceremony was not announced on Tuesday, and will likely be announced in August when the 2026-27 NBA schedule is released.

Though Lowry did drop a subtle hint as to when it might be.

Lowry said his best friend and former teammate, DeMar DeRozan, will be there in attendance for "when that thing goes up."

Since DeRozan isn't retired just yet, it'll likely be a game when he's in town.

The 36-year-old was waived by the Sacramento Kings on Monday and will now become a free agent.

There have been rumours circulating among NBA insiders that DeRozan is being pursued by several Eastern Conference teams, including the Toronto Raptors.

Whether DeRozan chooses to return to Toronto or not, it'll still be quite the moment to have several of Lowry's former teammates in attendance for that monumental day.