Toronto Raptors' 'special' announcement might be city's worst-kept secret

The Toronto Raptors are holding what they're calling "a milestone press conference" on Tuesday morning, and all signs appear to point toward a Kyle Lowry homecoming.

The team announced Monday that general manager and executive vice-president Bobby Webster will be joined by a special guest for a milestone team announcement on July 7.

Given this announcement is on the seventh day of the seventh month, and the fact that Lowry wore No. 7, there are rumours he will sign a ceremonial one-day contract before officially retiring as a Toronto Raptor.

Adding fuel to the speculation, Lowry posted a video to Instagram on Monday showing himself receiving text messages from former Raptors teammates OG Anunoby, Fred VanVleet and Pascal Siakam before answering a phone call from his longtime friend and former teammate, DeMar DeRozan.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Kyle Lowry (@kyle_lowry7)

Last week, Sportsnet's Michael Grange reported that the 40-year-old intends to sign a one-day contract with Toronto and retire from the NBA.

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.

If Tuesday's announcement is what many expect, Lowry would become the first player to retire as a Toronto Raptor.

Lowry played nine seasons with the Toronto Raptors and remains the franchise leader in steals, assists and three-pointers. (Kim Klement/Imagn Images)

Vince Carter had his No. 15 retired by the Raptors, but did not sign a one-day contract with the team when he retired following the 2019-20 season.

Whatever the announcement turns out to be, Raptors fans won't have to wait long. The press conference is scheduled for Tuesday at 9 a.m.