Kyle Lowry plans Toronto stay

Kyle Lowry has no intention of leaving Toronto Raptors despite Kawhi Leonard’s decision to move on.

The Raptors claimed the NBA Championship last season but their hopes of claiming back-to-back titles have taken a huge hit following Leonard’s move to the Los Angeles Clippers.

The two-time NBA Finals MVP cited a desire to be closer to his family as the key reason for his switch to LA, and Lowry respects his former teammate’s decision.

However, the six-time All-Star insists he is happy in Toronto and he isn’t thinking about leaving anytime soon.

“I want to be there – I would love to do a long extension, but we’ll see what happens,” said Lowry, as reported by Sky Sports. “I’m here for USA Basketball and [to] support the guys and be around the group. I would love to be there long term, but we’ll have that discussion when the time is right.”

Leonard spent just one season in Toronto but played a vital role in the team landing a first ever Championship and Lowry has paid tribute to the two-time Defensive Player of the Year.

He added: “I am happy for the guys that – especially a guy that helped do something fantastic and something great. “He’s an unbelievable friend of mine and is a good guy. He made a decision to go home and he is happy with that and I am happy for him. Truly.”

Toronto are 34.00 to win the NBA Championship next season and the Clippers are rated as the 4.33 favourites.