Kyle Lowry closed the book on a 20-year NBA run Tuesday by signing a ceremonial one-day contract to retire as a Toronto Raptor. The timing, July 7 or 7/7, was an unmistakable nod to the No. 7 he wore through the franchise's most successful era. The North Philadelphia native posted a short video thanking fans and teammates as he confirmed he would officially hang up his sneakers as a Raptor. The move sets up what many expect will be a formal jersey-retirement celebration during the 2026–27 season.
According to Yahoo Sports, the Raptors shared a pair of videos on their social channels stamped with “#7 FOREVER” and said Lowry would speak at a scheduled news conference in Toronto. The posts showed Lowry reflecting on his career and offering quick thanks to “family, teammates, coaches...and especially the fans.” The ceremonial contract simply makes good on a promise Lowry made when he left Toronto in 2021 that he would return to end his career in the city he considers home.
As reported by The Washington Post, Lowry marked the moment by saying, “It's officially happening. I'm retiring as a Toronto Raptor,” and called it “20 years and one day.” His career featured six All-Star selections, an All-NBA nod in 2015–16 and the 2019 championship run that still stands as the high-water mark in Raptors history. Former teammates and fans quickly applauded the decision on social media after the announcement.
Lowry By The Numbers
Per Basketball-Reference, Lowry finished his career having played 1,187 regular-season games and averaging 13.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 6.0 assists. He made 2,209 career three-pointers, putting him among the top marks in league history, and reached the playoffs in 12 of his 20 seasons. Those totals, combined with his reputation as a perennial floor general, form a big part of the argument for his eventual Hall of Fame case.
Philly Ties And The Final Season
Lowry, now 40, grew up in North Philadelphia and played at Villanova before entering the NBA in 2006. According to 6ABC Philadelphia, he appeared in 14 games for the Philadelphia 76ers this past season before shifting toward TV work. The return to Toronto fulfilled a long-stated promise to close his playing days with the franchise where he became both an All-Star and a champion.
What Comes Next
Reporting from Sportsnet indicates the July 7 event is likely the opening chapter of a larger celebration that will include retiring Lowry’s No. 7 during the 2026–27 season. Lowry has also been preparing for life after playing; he was announced last year as an analyst for Prime Video, per AP News, and the Raptors send-off will stand as his final on-court milestone. Fans in Toronto and Philadelphia are already trading memories of the teams he helped shape and the championship run that defined his legacy.
