DeMar DeRozan being traded away from the Toronto Raptors is just the latest example showing there is no loyalty in the NBA.
It all started with a tweet.
When Chris Bosh had left the Toronto Raptors, many wondered what was next for the city? After the heart-breaks and sour endings, who would have the city’s back?
DeMar DeRozan did.
Don't worry, I got us...
— DeMar DeRozan (@DeMar_DeRozan) June 29, 2010
Breaking DeMar DeRozan’s Trust
The Raptors have been pursuing a trade deal with the San Antonio Spurs to acquire Kawhi Leonard for a while. And Adrian Wojnarowski had made it known that Masai Ujiri believes nobody was untouchable.
After years of disappointment with the Raptors being great in the regular-season and then falling short in the playoffs, it made sense.
However, sources close with ESPN’s Chris Haynes told him that DeRozan met with Toronto brass in Las Vegas and informed him he would not be traded.
Less than a few weeks later, Toronto has finally pulled the trigger and sent DeMar to San Antonio for a package centered around Kawhi Leonard.
DeMar was loyal and had the city’s back, but the Raptors did not have his.
He gave us a little peek of what has been going on through his mind on his Instagram story.
It was also recently reported that Kawhi Leonard had no interest in playing for Toronto by Chris Haynes. Which could mean there’s a small chance the Raps pull out of the deal. But it wouldn’t be a good idea, considering the relationship with DeRozan and the Raps is already broken and he would likely request a trade anyways.
No more Loyalty in this Business
"“My mindset has always been Toronto. I always preached it.“ said DeMar after Raptors season came to an end in 2016. “I was passionate about it when we were losing. When we were terrible, I said I’m going to stick through this whole thing and I want to be that guy who brings this organization to where it is now. I definitely don’t want to switch up after we win.”"
DeRozan has spent his entire career in Toronto, last season he had his best season statistically with averages of 23 points, 3.9 rebounds, 5.2 assists.
We’ve all wondered why Kawhi Leonard would ask for a trade out of one of the best organizations in the league. But the truth is we really don’t know what’s going on behind the scenes. We’ve seen Isaiah Thomas play for the Celtics after losing his sister, chipping his tooth and rushing back from an injury and still get traded. Now we have seen DeRozan being traded after possibly being lied to.
Teams will always be looking to improve and if you’re not a top-10 player, you shouldn’t feel safe at any point.
Next: Toronto Raptors sign Lorenzo Brown
There is no loyalty in the business. But it’s very hard not to get emotionally attached to the city you play for, the fans and your teammates. As fans of the game, we can no longer be upset at players looking out for themselves in this business.
The Raptors don’t owe DeMar anything, but after he’s been so loyal the organization they should’ve at least given him the truth.