Toronto Raptors: Trade talk nothing new for DeMar DeRozan

By Paul Taylor | Jul 18, 2018

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 06: DeMar DeRozan of the Toronto Raptors attends a 2018 NBA Summer League game between the Raptors and the New Orleans Pelicans at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 6, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

While there may be some surprise at the speculation regarding DeMar DeRozan’s uncertain future with the Toronto Raptors, this isn’t the first time he’s been in this precarious situation.

Even as the talk of a potential trade between the Toronto Raptors and San Antonio Spurs shows no sign of abating, I remain stubborn in my position. I just can’t believe Masai Ujiri would be prepared to give up so much for Kawhi Leonard, especially as he will more than likely walk away next summer.

Leonard has a home in Los Angeles and this remains his desired destination. As such, if he has to wait 12 more months before joining the Lakers or Clippers, then so be it.

And yet, Ujiri and the Raptors continue to forge ahead. As of right now they are reportedly in the driver’s seat, with the Lakers and 76ers not prepared to pay the Spurs’ asking price.

On the other hand, the Raptors are prepared to put together an enticing package. This would apparently include one of DeMar DeRozan or Kyle Lowry, a young player and a first round draft pick.

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Just the thought of losing DeRozan or Lowry seems unfathomable. After all, they have been the backbone behind the Raptors’ most consistent and successful period in franchise history.

And yet, this is exactly where we’re at, with Ujiri essentially saying no one is in untradable. For DeRozan in particular, his standing has been compromised after the most recent postseason run offered more evidence he’s unable to rise to the occasion consistently, when the stakes are raised.

Interestingly though, this apparently isn’t the first time the four-time All-Star has been in such an uncertain position. At least according to Marc Stein of The New York Times:

"The Raptors, I’m told, held exploratory discussions in the summer of 2017 with Minnesota on a deal that would have been headlined by DeRozan and the Timberwolves’ Canadian swingman Andrew Wiggins.No trade materialized, but it reaffirms the notion that not even DeRozan, at the peak of his career, is untouchable in Toronto."

Comparisons between Andrew Wiggins and Leonard are not particularly fair, especially at this juncture. And yet, if true, it does make you wonder how much the Raptors truly value DeRozan?

This is not to say Ujiri doesn’t appreciate the contributions of the 2009 ninth overall draft pick. However, the Raptors’ president may be at a point where he believes the shooting guard has reached his peak.

From DeRozan’s perspective, regardless of appreciating that the NBA is ultimately a business, you can still understand if he’s a little upset. Again, he has helped reside over the most successful period in franchise history.

And if the 28-year-old’s recent social media activity is anything to go by, he may well believe he is now living on borrowed time in Toronto. As recently reported by ESPN’s Rachel Nichols, he completely wiped his Instagram account.

Now of course, this could mean absolutely nothing whatsoever. Regardless, it is still an intriguing move by DeRozan.

And if it is somehow related to the ongoing rumors regarding a potential trade with the Spurs, it alludes to how much DeRozan cares and wants to remain in Toronto. At the same time, if the Wiggins speculation is true, he should be used to it by now.

Next: The Pros and Cons of acquiring Kawhi Leonard

What are you doing with DeRozan, if you’re the Toronto Raptors? Are you prepared to include him in any trade package for Leonard? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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