An agreement between Kyle Lowry and the Miami Heat is "imminent", according to a source.
Teams, however, cannot speak to free agents from other clubs until after July 1.
"Lowry will be a member of the Heat," said the source, regardless of how the discussions between the current Big about opting out progress.
The exact terms of his deal are being worked out, but its value will be $9-$10 million a year for at least three years. He made roughly $6.2 million this past season.
The Heat would like to transform its Big Three of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh into a Big Four that includes Lowry and Carmelo Anthony instead of Bosh.
The Raptors are concerned that Lowry's improvement last season was inspired by his pending free agency and that has prompted the three parties to work toward a negotiate that benefits all sides. There is motivation for all involved to reach agreement quickly when free agency begins.