Lucas III Rumoured to Be Out, Door opens To Welcome Kabongo

Raptors appear to be parting ways with John Lucas III and will not be picking up the option according to Marc Stein of ESPN.

Hearing Raptors unexpectedly decline option on John Lucas III, making him free agent July 1. Don't be surprised if PG ends up back w/Bulls
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) June 28, 2013

This leaves the door wide open for the Raptors to explore bringing Myck Kabongo on board. Which is also being reported.

Raptors taking hard look at Canadian Myck Kabongo who surprisingly went undrafted. We heard today John Lucas won't return. No coincidence.
— Brett Poirier NBA (@BrettNBA) June 28, 2013

The Raptors letting Lucas III go likely opens up the options more in terms of adding Kobongo as third point guard with the potential to grow into something more. This is assuming Kobongo could have an impressive summer league and get signed. If this all turns out to be true it could be the silver lining for Myck Kobongo after what had to be a disappointing draft night. In conversations in this very blog Myck has expressed how much he would love to one day be a part of the Toronto Raptors.

Last night on Twitter there was a lot of support from Raptor fans wanting to see Myck Kobongo come aboard for the Raptors. It might be closer to happening now and for the people that support this young man keep your fingers crossed.

For my full thoughts on draft night check this out from earlier today in the DNB.

Update 1:25 PM

Raptors have confirmed this news about John Lucas III via Twitter:

The #Raptors have declined the 2013-14 option on the contract of John Lucas III, making the pt guard an unrestricted free agent July 1.
— RaptorsMR (@RaptorsMR) June 28, 2013

Still waiting to hear on what this will mean in terms of Kobongo. But the first Domino has clearly fallen.

Update 3:15 PM

that door that opened slammed shut fast and Chris Bosh and Lebron James and Miami Heat are on the other side it would appear:

Undrafted free agent Myck Kabongo will play with the Miami Heat's summer league team. Huge addition for Miami. Very talented young man.
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) June 28, 2013

I am very happy for Myck in the sense for his career this could be a massive opportunity. I am very disappointed that yet again the Raptors have let another talented Canadian slip away.