The possibility of DeMar DeRozan returning to the Toronto Raptors has suddenly become a story worth watching, with a new report revealing that the six-time All-Star would be open to a sensational reunion if the right circumstances fall into place.

DeRozan remains one of the biggest names available on the free-agent market after the Sacramento Kings released him in July. At 37, the veteran forward is no longer viewed as the same player who dominated the NBA during his prime, but he remains capable of providing valuable scoring, experience and leadership to a contender.

Several teams have already been linked with the former All-Star, including the Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers, while the Denver Nuggets and Washington Wizards have also reportedly shown interest.

But Toronto could represent the most emotional destination of them all.

DeRozan spent the first nine seasons of his NBA career with the Raptors and became one of the most beloved players in franchise history. He developed into Toronto’s offensive centerpiece, earned multiple All-Star selections and helped transform the organization into a perennial playoff team.

Now, according to Toronto Star Raptors insider Doug Smith, a return to the franchise cannot be completely ruled out.

Smith reported that a source close to DeRozan believes the veteran would welcome a return to Toronto “if everything works out.” Other sources reportedly indicate that the Raptors front office has been considering the possibility of bringing their former superstar back.

That revelation is enough to get Raptors supporters dreaming.

However, there is one major obstacle that could ultimately prevent the reunion from happening.

DeRozan’s potential role could decide everything

If DeRozan returned to Toronto, he would almost certainly be asked to accept a role that would represent a major change from the one he had during his original Raptors tenure.

The biggest question is whether he would be willing to come off the bench.

Toronto’s potential roster construction makes DeRozan more logical as a veteran sixth-man or secondary scoring option rather than an automatic starter. That could be particularly important if the Raptors’ plans involving Kawhi Leonard eventually become official.

Toronto’s pursuit of Leonard has already created enormous attention around the franchise, although the situation remains complicated while the NBA investigates alleged salary-cap circumvention.

If Leonard does ultimately join Toronto, expectations around the Raptors would immediately rise.

The team would then need veteran scoring, playoff experience and players capable of producing offense when the starters are resting.

That is where DeRozan could make enormous sense.

But accepting a reserve role would be unfamiliar territory for a player who has spent the overwhelming majority of his career as a starter and featured scorer.

Smith noted that the role could be the biggest hurdle in negotiations.

There is another factor that could make the decision particularly important for DeRozan: history.

The veteran is approaching one of the NBA’s most prestigious statistical milestones. He is roughly 2,000 points away from entering the top 10 on the league’s all-time scoring list.

A reduced role could make that achievement more difficult to reach.

DeRozan has always been viewed as a team-first player, and there is reportedly confidence that he would be willing to sacrifice for a legitimate championship opportunity. Nevertheless, transitioning from a featured scorer to a bench role would require a significant adjustment.

Toronto also has a major financial problem

Even if DeRozan is comfortable with the role, the Raptors could face another enormous obstacle: money.

DeRozan was originally scheduled to earn close to $26 million next season with Sacramento, although only around $10 million of that figure was guaranteed before his release.

Toronto, meanwhile, is not in a position to offer anything close to that amount.

According to Smith, the Raptors would have only the veteran minimum available, worth approximately $3.8 million.

That is a dramatic financial difference.

The good news for Toronto is that money may not necessarily be the deciding factor. Smith reported that someone familiar with DeRozan’s thinking does not believe salary would automatically prevent a return.

Still, the Raptors would need DeRozan to prioritize the opportunity to chase another championship and potentially return to the city where he became a franchise icon.

Other contenders can offer him more money and, in some cases, a clearer role.

Miami in particular could present a serious alternative because the Heat reportedly have more roster flexibility and greater financial room to make an attractive offer.

That makes the Raptors’ situation complicated.

The desire for a reunion appears to exist. DeRozan reportedly remains receptive to the idea. Toronto’s front office has apparently considered the possibility.

Yet the role, salary and roster situation all have to align.

For Raptors fans, that means the door is not completely closed—but it is far from guaranteed to open.

If Toronto’s plans involving Leonard become reality and the franchise decides it needs another veteran scorer, DeRozan could suddenly become one of the most fascinating free-agent possibilities available.

And if he is willing to trade a starting role and bigger payday for one more championship chase in Toronto, the NBA could be heading toward one of the most emotional reunions of the offseason.