Drake has once again placed himself at the center of basketball culture conversation after delivering a sharp lyrical jab aimed at former Toronto Raptors star DeMar DeRozan on his latest album rollout.
The Toronto icon dropped multiple projects in a surprise release, but one track in particular — “National Treasure” from Iceman — quickly drew attention across the NBA world for its direct references to the Raptors’ 2019 championship run and the franchise-altering trade that sent DeRozan to the San Antonio Spurs in exchange for Kawhi Leonard.
A Line That Sparked Instant Reaction
In the track, Drake revisits one of the most defining moments in Raptors history — the bold decision to move on from DeRozan in pursuit of a title.
The lyrics frame the controversial trade as a necessary gamble that ultimately delivered Toronto its first NBA championship:
“We must’ve been dealin’ the spur of the moment / Kawhi did we think you could get us a ring?”
The bar immediately sparked debate online, with fans interpreting it as Drake doubling down on the idea that the Raptors made the right call in trading away a long-time franchise star in favour of Kawhi Leonard, who led them to the 2019 title.
From Friendship to Fallout
What makes the moment even more striking is the history between Drake and DeRozan. For years, the two were closely connected during the Raptors’ rise, with Drake serving as the team’s global ambassador while DeRozan became the face of the franchise.
That relationship, however, has reportedly cooled in recent years, particularly after DeRozan publicly aligned with Kendrick Lamar during the widely publicised rap feud involving Drake.
DeRozan’s appearance in Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” video and his presence at Lamar’s Los Angeles concert only added fuel to the growing tension.
Drake previously hinted at the fractured relationship during Vince Carter’s jersey retirement ceremony, saying he would “pull down” any Raptors banner honoring DeRozan — a comment that already signalled deep friction.
NBA Legends Caught in the Crossfire
DeRozan wasn’t the only NBA figure referenced on Iceman. Another track, “1 AM in Albany,” appeared to target LeBron James, referencing perceived shifts in loyalty and public support during Drake’s ongoing cultural rivalry with Kendrick Lamar.
The lines quickly spread across social media, reigniting conversations about how deeply intertwined Drake’s music has become with NBA personalities and storylines.
Toronto Reacts Again
Despite the lyrical tension, reactions within Raptors circles have been mixed. Former teammates like Kyle Lowry shared support for Drake’s project online, while the Raptors’ official account also engaged with promotional content from the album rollout.
Still, the DeRozan mention has clearly struck a nerve with fans, reopening one of the most emotional debates in franchise history — whether the Raptors made the right call in breaking up their original core to chase a championship.
A Culture Moment Beyond Music
Once again, Drake has blurred the lines between music, basketball, and personal history. And as the reactions continue to pour in, it’s clear that one verse has managed to reopen a chapter many thought was long closed in Toronto sports culture
