Toronto Raptors: Deserving or not, DeMar DeRozan will get Max Deal

With every standout performance by DeMar DeRozan, it becomes more clear the Toronto Raptors will have to offer a max deal if they hope to keep him in Southern Ontario.

The Toronto Raptors have one of the top backcourt partnerships in the NBA. That much is clear, whether or not DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry get selected to this season’s All-Star game.

Maybe it’s no coincidence, but the Raptors duo were firing on all cylinders Monday night. This was their last chance to audition for the voting public, with the Brooklyn Nets playing the part of the unfortunate recipients.

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By the end of the evening, DeRozan and Lowry had combined for 61 points. In fact, it marked the first occasion both players scored 30 points in the same game.

The chemistry between the two is as good as it’s ever been. Speaking to Doug Smith of the Toronto Star after beating the Nets, DeRozan said: “It makes our team’s job easier from the standpoint of knowing when one of us is going to take over, put a mark on the game.

“Sometimes not even scoring, just being aggressive, getting other guys shots. And once you see that, you kind of play off each other.”

The question is, how much longer will Raptors fans get to enjoy watching them work their magic together? While Lowry is around until at least the end of next season (with a player option for 2017-18), things aren’t quite as certain with DeRozan.

The 26-year old has a player option worth $10.1 million for next season. However, as per a recent report by Brian Lewis of the New York Post, he is set to opt out at the end of this campaign and become a free agent.

Dec 26, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Toronto won 111-90. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

Lewis went on to claim the Nets, who got an up-close look at him on Monday, are interested in DeRozan. In fact, as per Zach Lowe of ESPN, there are “a bunch of teams” looking to sign the shooting guard, including the Los Angeles Lakers.

You could argue the Lakers hold the biggest threat to the Raptors chances of re-signing the Compton, California native. As well as being his hometown team, Lowe writes that they are prepared to offer a max deal, starting at $25 million per season.

You can justifiably state that DeRozan is not worthy of such a deal. He is certainly not a franchise-type player on the same level as a LeBron James or a Kevin Durant.

Regardless, it all comes down to supply and demand. Like it or not, the 2009 ninth overall draft pick is going to get a big pay day from someone.

However, before Raptors fans raise their arms in despair, it is worth noting something else written by Lewis. Speaking to a source close to DeRozan, it was noted he feels he’s been treated well by the organization.

Furthermore, the 2014 All-Star is considered to be an extremely loyal person. Whether this means he will stay in Toronto is unclear, but one thing we do know is it’s going to cost a lot of money.

Next: Raptors looking to move Jonas Valanciunas

Do you think DeMar DeRozan is worth a max deal? Do you want him to stay at all costs? Let us know in the comments section below.

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