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DeRozan would be an interesting fit for the Raptors if the two were to agree to a reunion.
Eight years ago, the Toronto Raptors parted ways with longtime forward DeMar DeRozan in a trade that sent Kawhi Leonard to Toronto, where he helped bring a championship that following season.
Since then, DeRozan has been in the midst of an unfortunate theme of contending but not at the highest level of contention. He spent time with the San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls and Sacramento Kings over the course of eight seasons since the trade.
DeRozan, now 36, is an unrestricted free agent. After nearly a decade away from Toronto, he may be open to a potential reunion with the Raptors.
Per Doug Smith of the Toronto Star, DeRozan would be open to a return to Toronto “if everything works out.” He also reported that the Raptors have been open to the possibility for some time.
DeRozan’s departure from Toronto was an uncomfortable one, as he did not shy from his feelings regarding the situation and admitted to being frustrated at the time of the trade. Toronto went in the direction of upgrading at the small forward position, which led to them agreeing to terms with the San Antonio Spurs for Leonard.
Leonard, whose return to Toronto is looming after an agreed trade from the Los Angeles Clippers on June 30, would go on to help bring a title to Toronto in one season before signing with the Clippers.
The outcome was a bittersweet one for DeRozan. After spending nine seasons with the team, his loyalty resided in Toronto as the face of the team for years. But what had hurt him most at the time was the fact that the Raptors had told him he would not be traded, bringing a level of betrayal for DeRozan.
DeRozan had brought the team to contention in the seasons prior to being traded. What may have hurt the most is that the team that won the 2019 title was a foundation that DeRozan had played around and fit well in Toronto.
Now 17 seasons deep into his career, DeRozan still stands out as one of the league’s most consistent and productive scorers. Last season, his 18.4 points per game tally was his lowest since the 2012-13 season, but was the highest total among qualified players on a disappointing Kings squad last year.
The potential return may be a possibility, but could also be seen as a long shot considering the terms that would come with it. DeRozan would most likely have to embrace a backup role for the first time in his career, which would be a significant adjustment.
DeRozan was cut from the Kings this month, where he had earned around $26 million this past season. If Toronto were to offer him, it would have to be for a veteran minimum no greater than $3.8 million, though finances would likely not factor into being a deal-breaker for DeRozan.
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Eight years ago, the Toronto Raptors parted ways with longtime forward DeMar DeRozan in a trade that sent Kawhi Leonard to Toronto, where he helped bring a championship that following season.
Since then, DeRozan has been in the midst of an unfortunate theme of contending but not at the highest level of contention. He spent time with the San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls and Sacramento Kings over the course of eight seasons since the trade.
DeRozan, now 36, is an unrestricted free agent. After nearly a decade away from Toronto, he may be open to a potential reunion with the Raptors.
Per Doug Smith of the Toronto Star, DeRozan would be open to a return to Toronto “if everything works out.” He also reported that the Raptors have been open to the possibility for some time.
DeRozan’s departure from Toronto was an uncomfortable one, as he did not shy from his feelings regarding the situation and admitted to being frustrated at the time of the trade. Toronto went in the direction of upgrading at the small forward position, which led to them agreeing to terms with the San Antonio Spurs for Leonard.
Leonard, whose return to Toronto is looming after an agreed trade from the Los Angeles Clippers on June 30, would go on to help bring a title to Toronto in one season before signing with the Clippers.
The outcome was a bittersweet one for DeRozan. After spending nine seasons with the team, his loyalty resided in Toronto as the face of the team for years. But what had hurt him most at the time was the fact that the Raptors had told him he would not be traded, bringing a level of betrayal for DeRozan.
DeRozan had brought the team to contention in the seasons prior to being traded. What may have hurt the most is that the team that won the 2019 title was a foundation that DeRozan had played around and fit well in Toronto.
Now 17 seasons deep into his career, DeRozan still stands out as one of the league’s most consistent and productive scorers. Last season, his 18.4 points per game tally was his lowest since the 2012-13 season, but was the highest total among qualified players on a disappointing Kings squad last year.
The potential return may be a possibility, but could also be seen as a long shot considering the terms that would come with it. DeRozan would most likely have to embrace a backup role for the first time in his career, which would be a significant adjustment.
DeRozan was cut from the Kings this month, where he had earned around $26 million this past season. If Toronto were to offer him, it would have to be for a veteran minimum no greater than $3.8 million, though finances would likely not factor into being a deal-breaker for DeRozan.
Continue reading...
