Since the Sacramento Kings waived DeMar DeRozan, there have been rumblings about a possible reunion with the Raptors, which DeRozan would reportedly welcome. However, the Raptors’ salary cap situation makes that rather difficult.
On July 10, Raptors reporter Michael Grange wrote in a Sportsnet article, “The Raptors really aren’t in a position to offer even veteran minimum deals to free agents such as former Raptors DeMar DeRozan or Jonas Valanciunas, as much as it would make for a great story.”
Valanciunas has since decided to return to Europe, but DeRozan is still available—and presumably waiting for LeBron James’s free agency decision and a verdict on the Kawhi Leonard trade. Several teams looking to add James are expected to view DeRozan as a backup plan. So, could the Raptors (unless they plan to rework the trade framework to shed some extra salary or have other plans to free up cap space and just view him as a regular free agent target).
“The Raptors, where DeRozan began his career, could turn to him if the Leonard trade were to fall apart,” The Athletic’s Frank Katz wrote in a July 16 article.
Now, the Pistons, a team that is neither wrapped up in the Kawhi Leonard trade mess nor in the LeBron James sweepstakes, could look to add DeRozan—and do it before either situation is concluded and other teams, including the Raptors, know whether they have the need for DeRozan and the means to sign him.
“It is not yet certain if Detroit will indeed join Toronto as a confirmed bidder for the six-time All-Star guard, but The Stein Line did learn this week that the Pistons have been assessing the concept,” reported Marc Stein on July 17.
How would a DeRozan reunion work out on the court?
If the Kawhi Leonard trade falls through, the Raptors are in a very awkward position with pretty much the same roster that lost in the first round last season—although maybe healthier. With other teams in the Eastern Conference improving, that would not bode well for the Raptors’ postseason potential.
DeMar DeRozan would add a much-needed scoring punch to the Raptors’ roster. He averaged 18.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1 steal per game last season. It was his worst scoring average since the 2012-13 season, but it’s still more than every Raptors starter except for Brandon Ingram and RJ Barrett averaged in the regular season.
However, DeRozan’s inconsistent 3-point shot would be a concern. The Raptors already struggle with spacing, and DeRozan is a 30.2% 3-point shooter for his 17 seasons in the NBA.
A reunion with DeRozan definitely doesn’t hold the same potential as bringing Leonard back to Toronto. Fortunately, most reports maintain that there is confidence on both sides that the Leonard trade will still go through, and the Raptors will be able to add a veteran star who checks all the boxes.
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