Why a DeMar DeRozan Raptors Reunion is Suddenly a 'Non-Zero' Possibility

In some ways, the Toronto Raptors got a taste of their own medicine in their loss against the Sacramento Kings.

Former Raptors legend DeMar DeRozan scored 28 points as he helped his Kings earn their 20th win of the season against Toronto, the place he called home from 2009-18.

Since leaving the Raptors in 2018 after being traded to the San Antonio Spurs, DeRozan has been a bit of a journeyman in the league. DeRozan spent three seasons with the Spurs, followed by another three with the Chicago Bulls. He is now about to finish his second season with the Kings with one more year remaining on his contract.

DeRozan spoke with Sportsnet reporter Michael Grange before the game between the Kings and Raptors. He expressed a possible desire to have one more shot at a championship before the end of his career.

"DeRozan is interested in finishing his career off with one more crack on a competitive team. He said he’d be open to a different role — DeRozan has started every game he’s played since the 2009-10 season — if necessary," Grange wrote.

DeMar DeRozan Finishing Career With Raptors Would Be Legendary

Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan shakes hands with Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl. | Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

DeRozan is set to make $25 million next season with the Kings, so he is expected to play with Sacramento next season, but they aren't going to be competitive even if they do end up with the number one overall pick in a loaded 2026 NBA draft.

By the end of his contract, DeRozan will be 37 years old, going on 38, but the way his game works allows him to be a bit more durable than some other players his age. He would have the chance to complete a legendary and Hall of Fame career by finishing it where it all started in Toronto.

The Raptors would benefit from having another scorer, possibly off the bench, in DeRozan. He could join the team at a time when Scottie Barnes is closer to being in the prime of his career. The Raptors rank 25th in the NBA in points off the bench with 32.8 per game, which is a number that needs to change if they want to get closer to a championship.

Adding DeRozan, who is still one of the best scorers in the league at 18.6 points per game, would certainly help the Raptors in that regard.

It's still a long time before a possible reunion, but there appears to be a nonzero chance at this time.

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