Kyle Lowry to emerge as Heat playoff-race rival? It is a possible, if not likely, scenario

As the Miami Heat work to find their footing in the wake of trading for Terry Rozier, a Part B of that transaction could be a player poised to exact a measure of retribution.

MIAMI — As the Miami Heat work to find their footing in the wake of trading for Terry Rozier, a Part B of that transaction could be a player poised to exact a measure of retribution.

In sending Kyle Lowry and a first-round pick to the Charlotte Hornets, the Heat were well aware that the ultimate outcome for Lowry either could be a trade to a contender or a buyout that would allow a move to a contender.

Either way, it opens the possibility of Lowry as a playoff opponent, the 37-year-old guard’s annoyances potentially to again come in opposing colors.

While the likelihood of Lowry being relocated by the Hornets ahead of the Feb. 8 NBA trading deadline is minimal, considering his $27.7 million salary on his expiring contact, the buyout market sets up as a possibility for Lowry to land among teams that Heat are battling for playoff position and could face in the play-in or playoff rounds.

There will be limitations, however, limitations that Lowry had a role in putting in place in his role with the National Basketball Players Association.

Until a rule in the collective-bargaining agreement adopted prior to this season, teams operating above the first apron of the luxury tax are unable to sign players off the buyout market whose 2023-24 salary stands above the league average of $12.4  million at the time of their buyouts.

The Heat are among the teams operating above that $172 million payroll apron.

Others operating in such a salary stratosphere that would be unable to sign Lowry off the buyout market (at least under their current payrolls, which could be altered by trades) are the Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns. Therefore, if a team such as the Clippers, Suns or Bucks were to have interest in Lowry, it would have to be an acquisition by trade over the next two weeks.

Still, there has been plenty of speculation about a Lowry landing spot, particularly with his popularity among players.

Former Toronto Raptors teammate DeMar DeRozan, for example, spoke in the wake of Lowry being sent to the Hornets for Rozier about a potential reunion with Lowry with the Chicago Bulls, the team the Heat defeated last season to advance from the play-in round.

“Kyle will fit anywhere where I’m at,” DeRozan told the Chicago Tribune, when asked about a possible reunion. “If that was something he wanted to do, sure, why not? That’s one of my closest friends, one of the smartest players I’ve played with since I’ve been in the league. Why not?”

A look at potential Eastern Conference landing spots for Lowry:

Philadelphia 76ers: Lowry has long been linked to his hometown team, including when he joined the Heat from the Raptors in 2021 free agency, and has returned to Philadelphia at times while with the Heat to tend to family matters.

The 76ers have the cap wherewithal to add a player at the veteran minimum, albeit with Patrick Beverley already in place.

The ultimate vote could come down to 76ers coach Nick Nurse, who coached Lowry with the Raptors.

New York Knicks: Not sure Lowry’s defense would cut the muster under Tom Thibodeau, but the Knicks do have an avenue to a trade with Evan Fournier’s salary.

There has been considerable speculation of this as a landing spot, which also would work on the buyout market.

It also would be a limited role, considering Jalen Brunson’s high-volume minutes under Tom Thibodeau, and that’s only if the Knicks view it as an upgrade on Miles McBride.

Chicago Bulls: This could come down to how the Bulls truly feel about Jevon Carter, but it would inject immediate playoff experience.

Then again, DeRozan is not a lock to be with the Bulls after the trading deadline, which could preclude the possibility of a reunion.

Orlando Magic: It would mean Lowry not having to put the golf bag away for the winter, with the Magic lacking much in the way of veteran leadership and playoff experience.

Win-win?

Toronto Raptors: During his first return to Toronto with the Heat, Lowry spoke of signing a one-day contract with the Raptors before retiring. Instead, the Raptors have the luxury-tax room amid the ride to the lottery to add Lowry for the balance of the season, if playoffs aren’t Lowry’s ultimate goal.

Still, youth has been stressed amid the Raptors’ makeover, with a veteran point guard already in place in Dennis Schroder.

Cleveland Cavaliers: This could come down to how the Cavaliers feel about their chemistry and the potential impact on a loaded wing rotation. Still, it would stand as an upgrade on Ty Jerome.

Indiana Pacers: The Pacers appear in a good place at point guard behind Tyrese Haliburton, with T.J. McConnell and Andrew Nembhard. Can’t see risking that chemistry.