DeMar DeRozan's retirement aspirations with Raptors spark social media backlash

Comp10. Deebo. DeMar DeRozan.

Say what you will about the guy, but his longevity and ability to adapt in a changing NBA landscape have established him as one of the league's most dynamic, yet polarizing, figures in recent memory.

A prolific scorer who can rock the rim, but most famously a standout mid-range shooter. Despite his offensive tendencies resembling something out of a time capsule, DeRozan has proven to be a very efficient player nonetheless, while also growing into a better playmaker and trying to incorporate a three-point shot into his game.

His tenure in Toronto, while historically great, left a lot to be desired in the eyes of many Raptors fans and certainly within the franchise's front office. DeRozan was a darling of the city for a very long time—until it became very apparent his best efforts couldn't propel the Raptors into title contention.

Everyone already knows, but to make the story short, DeRozan would be dealt in a surprise trade to the San Antonio Spurs for Kawhi Leonard. This deal ultimately led to the Raptors' first championship in franchise history, as they'd topple the almighty Golden State Warriors dynasty in six games during the 2019 NBA Finals.

A long time coming for the city of Toronto, but a bittersweet celebration to be on the outside looking in for DeRozan.

So, here's where we get to the topic of discussion today: Raptors legends Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan would reunite for an edition of the team's Open Gym program in a sit-down, tell-all episode that saw the brotherly duo relive their franchise highlights.

You can view the Open Gym episode in the attached YouTube link below:

To close out the episode, Lowry would end with these remarks:

"I've said it and I'm sure, like I mean this. I'm gonna take my one-day whenever I retire, it's going to be that one-day and I'm gonna sign, and I wanna finish my career as a "Toronto Raptor." Like I wanna finish it. What that place did for me. What that place did for him [DeRozan]. What that place did for our families and friends. We will never get that back. It's the place I became me."

Kyle Lowry, Open Gym (S13 - E04)

DeRozan would add on his own perspective, saying the following:

"What's crazy, like, me being drafted there. There was no other place I wanted to go. I just always think, even the tweet you know that I tweeted when Chris [Bosh] left: "Don't worry I got us." I meant that. I meant that wholeheartedly. I think the love, the ups and downs, I really gave my all to that organization, to that country, because I just wanted them, like respect it in return. To Low [Kyle Lowry] point... that's the only place I wanna go out as well, doing the whole one-day thing and everything."

DeMar DeRozan, Open Gym (S13 - E04)

Certainly, wise words coming from DeRozan himself, but his dreams of retiring with the Toronto Raptors garnered a mixed reaction on social media platforms like X.

DeRozan’s Raptors retirement wish triggers mixed reactions

All you need to do is look at the replies thread in an X post like the one attached above; it's a sea of expletives and insults galore.

Now, to be fair, it appears a lot more folks are angry at DeRozan for turning his back on Toronto and his former buddy Drake after appearing in Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us" music video. In case you didn't know, there's a little beef too outside of K. Dot and Drizzy, as Drake has openly expressed his displeasure with DeRozan's association with the 'enemy'.

Petty drama aside, it's definitely sad to see how far gone DeRozan's name has been received after the fallout from his Raptors journey. In fact, when the Kings met the Raptors in an early November matchup that saw DeRozan put on a fourth-quarter barrage; fans on social media came out with a grudge.

You cannot take away what DeMar DeRozan has done for Toronto, as it is undoubtedly his most historic and notable NBA franchise. When DeRozan finally calls it a career, fans will look back at his Raptors tenure most fondly, despite finding homes in San Antonio, Chicago, and now Sacramento. Much like Vince Carter had to endure back in the day, perhaps time will prove to heal all wounds, and DeRozan can be rightfully honored with a jersey retirement.