Kyle Lowry upset Raptors can't return to Toronto this season amid COVID-19 pandemic

The Toronto Raptors announced Thursday that they will continue playing their home games in Tampa this season due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions in Canada. 

After Toronto's 120-106 loss to the Boston Celtics, Kyle Lowry admitted that he's disappointed the team can't return to the six this season. 

"You always feel the connection, right, that's our home," Lowry said, according to theScore. "That's where we play. At the end of the day, the Toronto Raptors are on the front of our jersey. We still know that the fans are supporting us to the utmost that they can, we wish we were playing in front of those guys.

"It's unfortunate that the world is in this situation, but as professionals, as men, we have to do our job. We would love to be home, we would love to be in front of our fans, it just sucks that we can't be, but the connection is still there."

It's especially disappointing for Lowry because he could be a free agent after the 2020-21 season if he doesn't land an extension with the Raptors beforehand.

Trade rumors have also surrounded the All-Star, with some in the Raptors organization reportedly believing the franchise would be better off trading him to build for the future. Lowry also listed his Toronto home for sale recently, sparking even more trade rumors. 

Lowry has spent the majority of his career with the Raptors. In the midst of his ninth season with the franchise, he's averaging 17.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game while shooting 44.4% from the field and 37.9% from deep.