This NBA veteran is about to start his 20th season in the big league

Kyle Lowry will continue his legendary career for at least one more season. The veteran point guard has reached an agreement with the Philadelphia 76ers for a one-year contract, as confirmed by his agent Mark Bartelstein to ESPN. At 39, the former 2019 NBA champion with Toronto joins the exclusive circle of players who have played at least 20 seasons in the NBA.

A homecoming for the Philadelphia native

For Kyle Lowry, this new contract with the 76ers represents much more than just an extension. Born in Philadelphia and having studied in Pennsylvania, the 6-foot guard has literally been playing at home since his arrival in February 2024. This third consecutive season with the Sixers will allow him to finish his career in his hometown, alongside Nick Nurse.

Free agent guard Kyle Lowry has agreed to a one-year deal to return to the Philadelphia 76ers, Mark Bartelstein of @PrioritySports tells ESPN. The 2019 champion is back for his 20th NBA season – and a third consecutive year with his hometown 76ers. pic.twitter.com/6Wnw3S9TT3

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 7, 2025

The six-time All-Star joins an elite group including LeBron James and Chris Paul among active players, as well as legends like Robert Parish, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kevin Willis, Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant, Dirk Nowitzki, Vince Carter, Jamal Crawford and Udonis Haslem in the circle of players who have crossed the 20-season mark.

A mentorship role despite declining statistics

The 2024-2025 season was particularly challenging for Kyle Lowry, who only played 35 games due to injuries. His averages of 3.9 points, 2.7 assists, and 1.9 rebounds represent career lows, with shooting percentages of 35% from the field and 33% from three-point range. These statistics also reflect the disappointing season of the 76ers, who finished with a record of 24 wins and 58 losses.

Despite these declining numbers, the 76ers are counting on Lowry’s experience and leadership to mentor a young backcourt consisting of Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain, and VJ Edgecombe. His selflessness on the court and ability to share his expertise remain valuable assets for a team hoping to bounce back after a catastrophic season.

With 1,173 regular-season games under his belt and career averages of 13.9 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.2 rebounds, Kyle Lowry approaches this 20th season with the goal of helping the 76ers return to the playoffs. A 2016 Olympic champion and iconic figure of the Raptors‘ 2019 title, he brings an irreplaceable mental dimension to Philadelphia.