DeMar DeRozan is entering his 16th NBA season, joining the Sacramento Kings as his fourth team in the league. While he has seen success with his previous teams, he believes his time with the Toronto Raptors was the most special. DeRozan expressed his desire to finish his career with the Raptors, calling it a ‘poetic ending’ to return to where he started and leave a lasting legacy.
After spending nine seasons with the Raptors, DeRozan was traded to the San Antonio Spurs in 2018 in exchange for Kawhi Leonard. During his three seasons in Texas, he continued to put up impressive numbers, averaging 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 1.0 steals per game. Despite leaving Toronto, DeRozan still holds the city close to his heart and cherishes the memories he made during his time with the Raptors, including winning an NBA championship.
As a first-round draft pick in 2009, DeRozan made an impact in Toronto, becoming a six-time All-Star and solidifying his place in franchise history. He averaged 19.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.0 steals per game over 675 games. Now, at age 35, he is set to begin a new chapter with the Kings on a three-year deal worth $76.7 million. While the possibility of finishing his career in Toronto remains, it may not happen until he is in his late 30s.
Despite his age, DeRozan continues to be a productive player on the court, but the question remains how much longer he can sustain his high level of performance. If he were to return to the Raptors, he wants to do so in a way that is true to himself and in a manner that is meaningful. While he acknowledges that not many players get to write their own ending, the idea of coming full circle and concluding his career where it all began holds sentimental value for him.
DeRozan’s return to Toronto would bring his career full circle and provide a sense of closure for both him and Raptors fans. While it remains to be seen if this scenario will come to fruition, the idea of ending his career where it all started is a compelling narrative that would add an emotional layer to his already impressive basketball career. As he embarks on a new journey with the Kings, DeRozan’s connection to Toronto and the Raptors remains a significant part of his legacy.
