The Toronto Raptors are in a throwback mood in the 2026 offseason, as their agreed-upon Kawhi Leonard trade has been supplemented with rumors that franchise legend and all-time leading scorer DeMar DeRozan could return.
DeRozan may not garner a ton of interest on the open market, as there could be reason to doubt the idea of a player on the wrong side of 30 with defensive questons being an effective postseason performer at this stage of his career.
By the same token, DeRozan's bucket-getting skill has not ebbed away one iota over the last few years, and that could be enough to sell Bobby Webster and the powers that be on a reunion making sense.
Pros and Cons of Raptors bringing back DeMar DeRozan
Pro: High-End Scoring
DeRozan is going to turn 37 years old in August, and he still averaged 20.3 points per game on an efficient 48.6% shooting during his two years in Sacramento. DeRozan has always been one of the most underrated pure scorers in the game, and the Raptors could use his brilliance in half-court sets.
Con: Playstyle Constraints
DeRozan is a player out of time; someone more at home in the NBA of 20 years ago. His primary offensive weapon is the mid-range jumper due to a refusal to set up beyond the arc, his defense is not amazing, and he needs the ball a ton to be effective. On a Darko Rajakovic team all about shooting from deep and ball movement, that fit could prove incongruous.
Pro: Financial Value
Toronto will not have a ton of money left over to sign DeRozan once the Leonard trade goes through, but DeRozan could have some interest in signing a cheap deal. Even if his stats were inflated on a bad Sacramento Kings team, getting DeRozan for a bench player salary is marvelous value.
Con: Chasing Nostalgia
Honoring the past is always good, but trying to relive the glory days can lead to some problems. DeRozan's status as a franchise legend might influence Toronto's decision to sign him, even if some believe he may not be the best fit for this roster right now.
Pro: Veteran Leadership
Leonard is a singular talent, but he isn't the most vocal leader out there. With Garrett Temple now coaching in Dallas, DeRozan's wealth of NBA experience could make him a valuable asset alongside young guns like Collin Murray-Boyles and Allen Graves, all while putting up double figures when called upon.
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