Former NBA point guard Kyle Lowry officially retired from professional basketball on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, after signing a ceremonial one-day contract with the Toronto Raptors.
The 40-year-old veteran announced his decision on social media, deliberately choosing July 7 as a tribute to the No. 7 jersey he wore during his nine seasons in Toronto.
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Lowry is one of only 12 players in NBA history to log 20 seasons on the court, according to league records.
Emotional Farewell to Toronto
Prior to a scheduled news conference, the six-time All-Star expressed his gratitude to the public for supporting his two-decade career.
"Thank you to my family, my friends, my teammates, my coaches, my opponents, the staff, the media and especially the fans," Lowry said.
"It's all about you. I appreciate you."
He added: "Thank you, Toronto. Thank you, Canada.
And as I always told y'all, it's officially happening. I'm retiring as a Toronto Raptor -- 20 years and 1 day.
Seven forever."
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The Philadelphia native, who helped guide the franchise to its 2019 NBA championship, elaborated on his special bond with the city.
"This was home," Lowry said of Toronto. "Home is a feeling.
It's a comfort. It's a place that you continue wanting to be there.
Over and over again."
Lowry finished his active playing career this past season with 14 games for his hometown Philadelphia 76ers.
Over 1,187 career regular-season games with Memphis, Houston, Toronto, Miami, and Philadelphia, he averaged 13.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 6.0 assists.
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He also ranks 14th in NBA history with 2,209 successful three-pointers.
