For the first time ever in his pro career, DeMar DeRozan will not suit up in a Raptors uniform. The four-time all star was traded this morning to the San Antonio Spurs for a potentially all-pro player who could only be in Toronto for a year. It’s a move that’s split not just fans, but the entire league.
At the crack of dawn, Toronto Raptors fans received a rude awakening: their franchise player was sent packing.
DeMar DeRozan headlined a package deal to the San Antonio Spurs for the last remaining year of Kawhi Leonard’s contract. DeRozan spent his first 9 years in the NBA with Toronto and his departure had fans talking.
“Absolutely pissed, I think DeRozan put his heart and soul into the team and last time he was up for a trade he didn’t talk to any other team so I think that’s really disrespectful of the Raptors for the past three years so they knew something wasn’t working. DeRozan was such a stable player, he was here for so long so it’ll be sad to see him go.”
It wouldn’t be a Raptors’ story without Drake, he too weighed in, thanking DeRozan for the memories.
The 28 year old led the Raptors to five-straight playoff appearances. Unfortunately, the last two outings ended in bitter disappointment.
Kawhi Leonard’s playoff resume, however, far exceeds DeRozan’s.
An NBA-champ and two-time defensive player of the year, Leonard is regarded as one of the best players in the world.
That is, when he’s healthy. Leonard missed most of last year due to injury which started a toxic relationship between himself and his now former team.
Which made the trade even worse for DeRozan. Last night he Instagrammed these images, saying ‘Be told one thing and the outcome another. Can’t trust ’em. Ain’t no loyalty in this game. Sell you out quick for a little bit of nothing.’
He wasn’t alone, former teammates and fellow pros trashed the trade online.
DeMar eventually deleted all his Instagram posts, leaving his page empty. Much like the hearts of some hurting Raptors fans.
“DeRozan will always be a Raptor, he’s one of the best players we’ve had, probably one of the best we’ll ever have, and Kawhi is…just a guy.”
After trading for Kawhi, the Raptors’ chances to win the championships jumped from 60-1 to 20-1 odds.
