The Toronto Raptors made a huge step forward this season after making it into the post season, and their success this year could be attributed to Kyle Lowry's emergence as one of the best point guards in the NBA.

Lowry, who averaged 17.9 points and 7.4 assists per game this season, will become an unrestricted free agent this summer, and the 28-year-old point guard could consider leaving the Toronto Raptors.

Lowry sounded like he was excited about the Raptors' future in one interview after losing the Brooklyn Nets in the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs, but the likelihood of him staying in Toronto depends on the Raptors' willingness to spend this offseason.

Basketball Insiders reported that Lowry, who averaged 21.1 points to go along with 4.7 assists and 4.7 rebounds in seven playoff games this season, will look for a lucrative deal this offseason.

Sources indicated that the Raptors appear unwilling to give Lowry a big-money deal, which was the main reason why they considered trading the former Villanova standout earlier in the season.

And if the Raptors remain firm on their stance on Lowry's contract situation, the eight-year veteran playmaker will have no choice but to consider signing with other interested teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets.

"While it seems Lowry wants to stay in Toronto, his future with the Raptors will depend on how much money they are offering," Basketball Insiders' Alex Kennedy wrote.

"There were some reports during the season that suggested Toronto was hesitant to give Lowry a lucrative long-term deal. If that's the case, Lowry may go to a team that's willing to give him a big payday," he added.

The New York Knicks could also become a frontrunner in the race to sign Lowry if the Raptors decide to let him go this offseason.

Lowry was actually New York-bound earlier this season, but Knicks owner James Dolan vetoed the trade that would have sent Lowry to the Big Apple, refusing to give up a future first-round pick to the Raptors.

The Knicks are expected to address their point guard needs this season, and Lowry is expected to become one of their top targets.

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