Just as Kawhi Leonard’s return to Toronto hangs in limbo, another blockbuster reunion could be brewing — and this one might hit even closer to home for Raptors fans.
The Report That’s Got Toronto Buzzing
According to Doug Smith of the Toronto Star, DeMar DeRozan and the Raptors have held conversations — both directly and through back channels — about a potential return to the franchise where he became a legend. The report landed Wednesday, just a week after the 36-year-old was bought out and waived by the Sacramento Kings in a cap-clearing move that instantly threw one of the league’s most beloved mid-range scorers onto the open market.
Even more encouraging for Toronto fans, a source close to DeRozan reportedly indicated the six-time All-Star would welcome a return to the city if everything works out — a strong signal that this isn’t just front-office wishful thinking.
A Franchise Icon Coming Full Circle
For anyone who followed the Raptors through the 2010s, this news carries serious emotional weight. DeRozan spent nine seasons in Toronto after being selected ninth overall in the 2009 draft, growing from a raw athletic prospect into one of the franchise’s most iconic players before being traded to San Antonio in the deal that brought Kawhi Leonard to Toronto ahead of the 2018-19 championship run.
He never got to be part of that title, but his legacy in Toronto has never faded — DeRozan remains the franchise’s all-time leading scorer with 13,296 points, a number that still hasn’t been touched years after his departure.
Why Now?
Per Smith’s reporting, bringing DeRozan back is something Toronto’s front office has reportedly been quietly considering for some time, not just a reaction to his sudden availability. Now that he’s a free agent, that long-standing interest finally has a real opportunity to turn into something concrete.
The Money Question
Here’s where things get complicated. Toronto currently has less than $6 million in salary cap space, meaning any offer to DeRozan would likely be limited to a veteran minimum deal worth around $3.8 million. On paper, that’s a significant pay cut for a player of his caliber — but Smith doesn’t believe it would be a dealbreaker, especially considering DeRozan is still owed close to $11 million in guaranteed money from the Kings even after being waived.
The Bigger Question: What Role Would He Play?
Money aside, the real complication might be DeRozan’s role. He’s been a starter at every stop of his career, but Toronto’s current roster — headlined by Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, and potentially Leonard if that trade eventually goes through — leaves little obvious room in the starting lineup. For the first time in his career, DeRozan could be looking at a bench role, a genuine adjustment for a player who still sits 16th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.
Toronto Isn’t the Only Suitor
It’s also worth noting the Raptors face competition for DeRozan’s services. He’s reportedly drawn interest from the Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, and Golden State Warriors as well — all destinations where he could potentially step into a larger role than what Toronto may be able to offer.
What’s Next?
With DeRozan reportedly open to the idea and Toronto’s front office genuinely engaged in talks, this has all the makings of one of the more emotionally charged storylines of the NBA offseason. Whether nostalgia and mutual interest are enough to overcome the practical hurdles of money and playing time remains to be seen.
Raptors fans, would you welcome DeMar DeRozan back with open arms, even in a reduced role? Let us know your thoughts below.
