Kyle Lowry is being mentioned in trade rumors again despite signing a long-term deal this offseason, but Toronto Raptors general manager Masai Ujiri reiterated that they want to keep the veteran playmaker.

Lowry, who had the best season of his career last season, signed a four-year deal worth $48 million this offseason, erasing doubts that the Raptors are planning to let go of him this offseason.

However, rumors indicated that the Raptors are just waiting for Lowry to become eligible to be traded on Jan. 15 before shopping the 28-year-old point guard.

Sources pointed out that Ujiri also signed Nene to a long-term deal when he was still with the Denver Nuggets, but immediately traded him that season, creating speculation that the Raptors GM will do the same thing with Lowry.

Ujiri reiterated, though, that all rumors suggesting that they are planning to trade Lowry are not true, reiterating that they plan to keep the former Villanova standout in the next four years.

In fact, Ujiri believes that Lowry will be their main man in the next several years, especially after leading the Raptors to a surprising playoff stint last season.

"He does have a presence," Ujiri said of Lowry in an interview with the Toronto Sun. "He plays hard. He has the edge. That's the honest truth - he does have an edge. You can call him what you want. He does this or he does that. He has the edge. And he wants to win. He's very competitive every single game."

Ujiri also added in the interview that he expects Lowry to become a better leader for the Raptors in the upcoming season, pointing out that the eight-year veteran is showing signs of maturity this offseason.

"We're watching practice the other day, and he made a great pass to Jonas, and Jonas bobbled the ball. Kyle just turned away. Last year it would be different. There would be some anger," Ujiri said of Lowry, who averaged 17.9 points to go along with 7.4 assists and 4.7 rebounds per game last season.

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