Demar DeRozan plans to become a free agent this offseason and multiple teams are likely to court him. One team most believe may consider taking him in is his old team - the Toronto Raptors. And while it all makes sense, it may not be feasible. There is something that needs to be done and that is mending a broken relationship.
The Raptors shocked most when they traded away DeRozan to the San Antonio Spurs last NBA season for Kawhi Leonard. Though surprising, the move turned out to be a good move. Toronto won its first NBA title and established themself as one of the new teams to watch.
For DeRozan, it was the opposite. While he showed he can still deliver the same numbers, San Antonio has been struggling. And with the Spurs showing no indication of offering him a contract extension, DeRozan felt it was time to move on. If he holds to his intent to walk away from the last year of his deal which would pay him $27.7 million, several teams may consider him.
Raptors president Masai Ujiri admits that while Toronto would love to have DeRozan back, there are things that need to be addressed. He is aware that there is a strained relationship between him and DeRozan and this needs to be addressed first. The Raptors top brass discussed this with Ernie Johnson during an interview via ESPN.
“DeMar, I was in the hotel in Kenya, and I walked around that hotel at 4 a.m., 5 a.m., for a couple of hours, trying to gather up enough strength and courage to make this phone call. I will never forget it…," Ujiri said. “With DeMar, there is still plenty of work to be done. But, by the grace of God, it will all get better. We have to continue to make these tough decisions. But that’s the business of basketball and the position that we are in.”
The Raptors could use someone like DeRozan. Leonard is no longer around and is now with the Los Angeles Clippers. There is a gaping hole in the small forward position and the 30-year-old cager could give head coach Nick Nurse a big boost in terms of offense.
Before the current NBA season was suspended, DeRozan was averaging 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.6 assists in 61 games. These are good numbers that could boost the Raptors campaign next season if both sides manage to bury the hatchet. If not, other teams may be studying the addition of DeRozan as well.
