Kyle Lowry, one of the toughest and most beloved point guards of his generation, is reportedly set to sign a one-day contract with the Toronto Raptors and retire as a member of the franchise where he became a legend. The Raptors have scheduled a press conference for Tuesday, July 7, 2026, which the organization is billing as a “monumental moment” in franchise history. Here is what was reported, what a one-day deal actually means, Lowry’s decorated legacy, and how fans are reacting — all based on the reporting available.
Image: Wikimedia Commons (2026, CC license)
- Lowry will sign a one-day contract to retire with the Raptors (reported by Michael Grange, Sportsnet)
- Press conference set for July 7 — a nod to the No. 7 he wore in Toronto
- His No. 7 is expected to be retired during the 2026-27 season, only the second retired number in franchise history after Vince Carter’s No. 15
- A 2019 NBA champion, six-time All-Star, and a 20-season NBA veteran
Note: This article is based on reporting as of July 2, 2026. Please confirm official details via the team and the press conference.
What Was Announced?
According to Michael Grange of Sportsnet, Kyle Lowry intends to sign a one-day contract with the Toronto Raptors and announce his retirement as a player. The Raptors have scheduled an event and press conference for Tuesday, July 7, and the invitation reportedly describes it as a “monumental moment” in franchise history.
Lowry has long spoken about this exact ending. He repeatedly said his goal was to “sign a one-day contract and retire as a Raptor,” calling it a promise he intended to keep after Toronto traded him to the Miami Heat in 2021. Most recently he played for the Philadelphia 76ers, but he is now set to close out his career where he shined brightest.
What Is a One-Day Contract?
A one-day contract is a symbolic, ceremonial agreement — not one intended for actual game action. It allows a player to officially retire as a member of a franchise that means something to them, putting on that jersey one final time. In the NBA it has become a traditional way to honor a franchise icon who wants to “come home” to retire.
Lowry spent nine seasons with Toronto, from 2012 to 2021, and became the face of the franchise. Rather than retiring while under contract elsewhere, returning on a one-day deal lets him make it clear to the fans and the organization: he is, and always will be, a Raptor. Even the date carries meaning — July 7 is a nod to the No. 7 he wore in Toronto.
No. 7 Headed to the Rafters
Per the reporting, the Raptors are expected to retire Lowry’s No. 7 during the 2026-27 season. If it happens, it would be just the second retired number in franchise history, joining Vince Carter’s No. 15 in the rafters at Scotiabank Arena — a fitting tribute to how singular his impact has been.
Lowry’s Legacy: The 2019 Title and a Decorated Career
Kyle Lowry played 20 NBA seasons. Drafted 24th overall in 2006, he was never a can’t-miss prospect, yet he grinded his way into becoming one of the league’s premier point guards through toughness and relentless competitiveness.
Image: Wikimedia Commons (2026, CC license)
The 2019 Championship
Lowry’s crowning achievement was leading the Raptors to their first NBA championship in 2019. Alongside Kawhi Leonard, he helped topple the Golden State Warriors in the Finals. In the series-clinching Game 6, Lowry posted 26 points, 10 assists and 7 rebounds in a 114-110 win, delivering the first Larry O’Brien Trophy to Canada.
Six Straight All-Star Nods and Franchise Records
Lowry was named an All-Star for six consecutive years from 2015 to 2020 and earned All-NBA Third Team honors in 2016. During his Toronto tenure he averaged 17.5 points, 7.1 assists and 4.9 rebounds, and he retires as the franchise leader in assists, steals, three-pointers made, triple-doubles and win shares. He also won a gold medal with Team USA at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Raptors tenure | 2012-2021 (nine seasons) |
| NBA career | 20 seasons |
| All-Star selections | 6 (2015-2020) |
| Major honors | 2019 NBA champion / 2016 Olympic gold |
| Raptors averages | 17.5 PPG, 7.1 APG, 4.9 RPG |
Fan Reaction: “The GROAT Is Coming Home”
The report has sparked an outpouring of gratitude from Raptors fans. In Toronto, Lowry is affectionately called the “GROAT” — the Greatest Raptor Of All Time — and the idea of him retiring in franchise colors has been met with joy across the fanbase.
“The GROAT is finally coming home. Watching him retire as a Raptor is everything.”
— from fan reaction
“Late first-round pick, bounced around early, and 20 years later he’s a champion and a legend. That No. 7 belongs in the rafters.”
— from fan reaction
For fans who lived through the 2019 title run, Lowry’s retirement marks the closing of an era. All eyes are now on the July 7 press conference and the No. 7 jersey retirement expected during the 2026-27 season.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When will Kyle Lowry’s retirement be announced?
The Raptors have scheduled a press conference for July 7, 2026, where the one-day contract and retirement are expected to be officially announced.
What is a one-day contract?
It is a symbolic, ceremonial deal — not for game action — that lets a player officially retire as a member of a franchise meaningful to them.
Will Lowry’s No. 7 be retired?
According to reports, his No. 7 is expected to be retired during the 2026-27 season, which would make it the second retired number in franchise history after Vince Carter’s No. 15.
What did Lowry accomplish with the Raptors?
He led Toronto to its first NBA championship in 2019, made six straight All-Star teams, and retires as the franchise leader in assists, steals and three-pointers made.
Conclusion
Kyle Lowry is set to sign a one-day contract and retire as a Toronto Raptor (reported by Sportsnet). The press conference is scheduled for July 7 — a date chosen for his No. 7 — with the team calling it a monumental moment in franchise history. A 2019 NBA champion, six-time All-Star and Olympic gold medalist, Lowry gets the send-off his decorated career deserves. His No. 7 is expected to be retired during the 2026-27 season, joining Vince Carter as the only retired numbers in franchise history. Full details are expected at the July 7 press conference — always confirm the latest via official announcements.
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