The Heat are moving toward the ‘end game’ with Kyle Lowry

Lowry was traveling separately from the rest of the team — with permission — last weekend, when weather delayed his arrival in Atlanta for Miami’s game against the Hawks. 

Caleb Martin started in Lowry’s place, then did it again in Sunday’s loss to the Orlando Magic, where Lowry shot 1-for-9 off the bench, missing all six of his three-point attempts.

According to Heat beat reporter Ira Winderman, Lowry isn’t just heading to the bench. He’s likely headed out of town.

Lowry’s 8.2 points per game is his lowest scoring average since the 2008-09 season. For the offensively-challenged Heat, they simply need more offensive punch alongside Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro and Jimmy Butler, all of whom have missed at least ten games this season.

But even though the 37-year-old Lowry is on the downside of his career, his $29.7M expiring salary could be very appealing for a team looking to cut salary. 

That team might be the Atlanta Hawks, who have talked extensively about trading Dejounte Murray to the Lakers for a package centered around D’Angelo Russell. But they don’t want to keep Russell.

Russell’s short deal ($18.6M player option for next season) and scoring punch might be appealing to the Heat, and Lowry’s expiring deal could be appealing to the Hawks. 

In addition, Lowry’s agent, Mark Bartelstein, has worked with the Hawks over the years on deals for clients Kevin Huerter, Dennis Schroder and Tim Hardaway, Jr. 

Reportedly, the Heat don’t value Lowry as a “stabilizing presence” as they once did. But they clearly value him as a trade chip. The Lowry era in Miami is winding down, and fast.