The Toronto Raptors have already pulled off the heist of the 2026 offseason, shaking the foundations of the NBA by orchestrating a blockbuster trade to bring Kawhi Leonard back to the franchise that he once famously led to a championship. By shipping Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, and a haul of draft assets to the Los Angeles Clippers, the Raptors have signaled that they are in “win-now” mode. But while the return of “The Claw” is a historic narrative, there is a growing consensus that the front office isn’t done yet.
As the team looks to transform from a competitive roster into a legitimate championship contender for the 2026-27 campaign, rumors are swirling about a secondary, perhaps even more sentimental, reunion. The latest buzz? The Raptors are being urged to bring back the original king of the North: DeMar DeRozan.
The “Full Circle” Opportunity
The irony is not lost on the basketball world. DeRozan, who spent the first nine seasons of his career as the face of the Raptors, was the primary asset sent away in the original 2018 trade that brought Leonard to Toronto. Consequently, the two franchise icons never shared the court in a Raptors jersey. Now, with DeRozan recently released by the Sacramento Kings in a strategic cost-cutting move, the door to a fairy-tale homecoming has been kicked wide open.
DeRozan is no longer the explosive, high-flying slasher of his youth, but he remains one of the most reliable and efficient shot-makers in the league. During the 2025-26 season, playing for a struggling Kings squad, DeRozan was remarkably consistent. He appeared in 77 games, averaging 18.4 points, 4.1 assists, and 2.9 rebounds while shooting just under 50% from the field. For a Raptors team that lacks proven, high-IQ offensive veterans off the bench, DeRozan represents a low-risk, high-reward proposition.
Does the Fit Actually Make Sense?
Analysts are split on whether this move is a “perfect fit” or a nostalgic reach. CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn recently examined the landscape, noting that DeRozan’s arrival is not the “cleanest fit” for a team already struggling with perimeter spacing. Because DeRozan thrives in the mid-range—an area of the floor the modern NBA has largely moved away from—he doesn’t necessarily solve the Raptors’ need for elite three-point shooting.
However, the counter-argument is just as strong: the Raptors don’t need DeRozan to be the primary option. With Scottie Barnes ascending into true superstardom and Leonard providing a proven championship floor, DeRozan wouldn’t be asked to carry the franchise. Instead, he would be a veteran luxury—a player capable of anchoring the second unit, orchestrating the offense during Leonard’s rest periods, and providing a level of locker-room leadership that money can’t buy.
An Emotional Send-Off for a Franchise Legend
Beyond the X’s and O’s, there is the undeniable emotional pull. For the Toronto crowd, seeing DeRozan back in a Raptors jersey would be one of the most celebrated moments in the city’s sporting history. He is the man who stayed when everyone else wanted to leave, the player who helped elevate the Raptors from a laughing stock to a legitimate contender.
If DeRozan is interested in chasing a ring with a contender—and specifically with a franchise where he is a living legend—Toronto is the only destination that makes sense. It would be a chance for the team to rectify the history of 2018, bringing their two greatest icons together on the same court to make one final, definitive push for a title.
The Raptors have already proven they are willing to take risks to win. Adding DeMar DeRozan isn’t just about scoring points; it’s about completing a legacy. The question is: is the front office bold enough to pull the trigger on the most emotional reunion in the league?
Raptors fans: Does bringing DeRozan home make this the best roster in the league, or should the team prioritize younger shooters? Let us know your take in the comments below!
