DeMar DeRozan was traded from the Toronto Raptors to the San Antonio Spurs in 2018. The trade sent Kawhi Leonard to the Raptors, who went on to win the championship in 2019. DeRozan recently opened up about his feelings and how much the trade impacted him.
DeMar DeRozan had spent nearly a decade with the Raptors, forming a strong partnership with Kyle Lowry . Despite their success, the team could not overcome LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the playoffs. DeRozan felt betrayed by the trade, especially since LeBron James had left the East.
It f**ked me up because we couldn’t beat one person. We couldn’t beat LeBron. The year LeBron got traded, LeBron left. I was more so made because I was like ‘give it one more shot.’ In my mind that’s why I was like ‘we got this sh*t now.’ So when I got traded that’s what made it hurt even more. I couldn’t watch, I’m not gonna lie. DeMar DeRozan via 25 10 Show
DeRozan’s feelings of hurt and betrayal were so strong that he admitted not watching his friend Kyle Lowry win a title. He acknowledged that the Toronto Raptors made the right move trading for Kawhi Leonard, but it’s a painful memory for him.
Looking back, DeRozan’s experience serves as a reminder of the harsh realities of the NBA. While the Raptors’ championship win was historic, it came at the cost of DeRozan’s loyalty and dedication to the team. Nevertheless, DeRozan remains among the best NBA players to grace the court for the Raptors.
Bulls expected to re-sign DeMar DeRozan to multi-year deal
The Chicago Bulls will likely re-sign DeMar DeRozan to a multi-year deal, according to The Athletic’s Darnell Mayberry. The Bulls would offer a two-year deal, while DeRozan’s side would seek longer security. The deal could be worth up to $40 million over two years, potentially including a player option.
The Bulls would be happy to re-sign DeRozan on a two-year deal. DeRozan’s side obviously would covet more security. The Bulls have a habit of liberally latching player options into contracts so that carrot could come into play with DeRozan’s deal as well. Darnell Mayberry via The Athletic
DeMar DeRozan could receive up to $40M per season, per @DarnellMayberry
“The Bulls would be happy to re-sign DeRozan on a two-year deal. DeRozan’s side obviously would covet more security. The Bulls have a habit of liberally latching player options into contracts so that carrot… pic.twitter.com/wIwOG6yAWZ
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 4, 2024
DeRozan was the Bulls’ most consistent player last season, averaging 24.0 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game on 48.0% shooting. Despite having DeRozan and Zach LaVine, the Bulls finished 9th in the East with a 39-43 record, struggling without Lonzo Ball’s efficient offense.
The Bulls face pressure to salvage their regime or make moves to raise their ceiling. Adding supporting talent and filling out the bench could help them scratch the playoffs, but they may not be a serious contender without significant changes.
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