Sticking with the Sixers would be a smart move for Kyle Lowry

Kyle Lowry is entering unrestricted free agency. The veteran point guard spent last season with the Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers. At 38 years old, Lowry isn't the force he once was. Nevertheless, he can still be a productive member of an NBA rotation.

In the 60 games he played last season, Lowry averaged 8.1 points, 3.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists while shooting 43.2 percent from the field and 39.2 percent from three-point range. Marc Stein states Lowry is expected to re-sign with the Sixers during the summer.

"I've been hearing for weeks now that the Clippers — even though Russell Westbrook possesses a $4 million player option for next season — have interest in both Paul and Kyle Lowry to supply backcourt depth. Lowry, though, is a Philadelphia native who is widely expected to re-sign with the 76ers," Stein reported.

In his prime, Lowry was an elite two-way guard. He could defend multiple positions, create for others and score across all three levels. At this stage of his career, Lowry is still a reliable playmaker and two-level scorer (at the rim and on the perimeter), while his defense is still reliable at the point of attack. The Sixers could do much worse when searching for a backup ball-handler.

Lowry is likely entering the last season of his career. He's already won a championship, helping the Toronto Raptors achieve the feat in 2019. Daryl Morey aims to construct a Sixers team capable of challenging in the upcoming season. He has consistently built around Joel Embiid's elite skill set. 

Coming off the bench, Lowry will provide a level of leadership that is hard to find in the NBA. If the Sixers can secure his services on a one-year, team-friendly deal, it will be a good outcome for both Lowry and the franchise. 

Finding a reliable backup guard isn't easy. Lowry can solve that problem for Morey and head coach Nick Nurse. In return, the Sixers can give him a shot at competing for a championship. It's a fair trade-off, especially when Lowry's other options may not be ready to compete next season.

Sticking with the Sixers is the smart move. Especially if it allows Lowry to retire with his hometown team next summer.