Toronto Raptors Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet pen emotional farewell messages to Kyle Lowry

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While a number of reports indicate that Kyle Lowry will soon become a member of the Miami Heat via a sign-and-trade, it hasn't quite set in yet.

MORE: Appreciating Lowry's impact | Where Lowry stands in Raptors' record books 

Making the reported deal feel much more real is the reaction of Lowry's soon-to-be-former teammates Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet, each of whom took to Instagram to pen farewell messages to the man that took them under his wing five years ago.

"The GROAT (Greatest Raptor of All-Time)," VanVleet wrote. "Thank you for everything bro you already know what it is," he added, along with a few aptly-placed goat emojis, an artistic rendition of a picture of the two as well as a picture of the two celebrating the 2019 NBA title together.

Undrafted in 2016, VanVleet developed into a starter in the NBA under Lowry's mentorship, a special bond that's evident anytime you see the two interact. While they may no longer share the backcourt together, VanVleet's post is a reminder that the two share a bond that extends beyond the game of basketball.

The same applies to Siakam, who also came to the league in 2016 as the No. 27 pick in the NBA Draft. It's evident that the bond is much bigger than basketball.

"Beloved!!!" Siakam began, along with more aptly-placed goat emojis. "Appreciate you taking us in and showing us the way!! Thank you for all the lessons on and off the court! True legend."

Part of the caption is an ode to Lowry often referring to Siakam as "my beloved Pascal," as he did following the 2020 NBA All-Star Game. Siakam made sure to include a photo of the two at the All-Star Game in Chicago, in addition to a number of other photos, including the two celebrating Game 6 of the 2019 Eastern Conference Finals together.

No matter what uniform Lowry suits up to wear in the 2021-22 season, he will always have the connection of being a 2019 champion with Siakam and VanVleet.

As part of being the Greatest Raptor of All-Time, Lowry has imparted his wisdom upon these two and OG Anunoby, the trio of players that will be looked upon to carry the torch and usher in the new era of Raptors basketball, passing their wisdom along to rookie Scottie Barnes and the recently re-signed Gary Trent Jr., among others.

It's the manifestation of an immeasurable impact that Lowry has made on the franchise over an unforgettable nine-year run.

Deals can only be agreed upon in principle until Aug. 6 at 12:01 p.m. (ET) when they can be signed and made official.

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Gilbert McGregor is an NBA content producer for The Sporting News.