Kyle Lowry signed a ceremonial one-day contract to retire with the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday, ending his 20-year NBA career.
Through his two decades in the league, Lowry built close personal relationships with his teammates and opponents: including Jimmy Butler III.
Lowry and Butler were Miami Heat teammates for two and a half seasons, reaching the NBA Finals together in 2023. During their time as teammates, they developed a close personal friendship.
Butler shared a heartfelt social media post reacting to Lowry’s retirement on Tuesday.
“Not much to say. but THANK YOU! for always being there for me. for being the best godfather to my baby girl. for being a legit brother to me. for helping me navigate through it all! CONGRATS! love you my rich BROTHER!” Buttler wrote on Instagram.
Lowry finishes his career as a six-time All-Star and one-time NBA champion, helping the Raptors secure the franchise’s first and only NBA title in 2019.
“Thank you to my family, my friends, my teammates, my coaches, my opponents, the staff, the media and especially the fans,” Lowry said on Tuesday. “It’s all about you. I appreciate you. Thank you. 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. I love y’all. Peace.”