Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri says Kyle Lowry might get treated differently than other players on his club this season playing under expiring deals.

"Kyle has an incredible legacy here that we have all underrated," Ujiri said at the Raptors' media day on Saturday. "The inner core of who he is as a player and what he's done in this franchise, he deserves that. There's legacy status for him."

The Raptors will still be a contender in the 2019-20 season, but not a favorite to defend their championship after the departure of Kawhi Leonard. Lowry, who turns 34 in March, joins veterans Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka as potential trade chips on expiring deals.

In August, Lowry said he could see himself finishing his career in Toronto.

Ujiri, who's had a tumultuous relationship with the point guard over the years, said on Saturday that Lowry is ensconced as a franchise legend.

"He gives me a headache once a month," he joked. "That's fine, that's our relationship. What he's done for this city, this ball club, is remarkable ... You all know six years ago we'd never write this script this way."