DeMar DeRozan is without a doubt one of the most important players in the history of the Toronto Raptors franchise. DeRozan played the first nine years of his career with the Raptors, making it to the playoffs five times and collecting four All-Star and two All-NBA selections along the way.
He is also a part of one of the most infamous trades in Raptors history. The Raptors dealt DeRozan to the San Antonio Spurs after his ninth season with the team in exchange for superstar Kawhi Leonard. The Raptors ultimately won a championship as a result of the trade, but no one could replace the leadership and connection to the city that DeRozan had.
But DeRozan never held any hatred for the city itself. And as he begins promoting his new book, “Above the Noise,” he announced a stop in Toronto as part of his book tour.
Y’all know I couldn’t do a book tour without making a stop back in Toronto! Come out to my Above the Noise book release event at the @chaptersindigo location at The Well on September 13th.
🎟️ https://t.co/5GGf1te3Xd pic.twitter.com/Gr01w8f1Mp
— DeMar DeRozan (@DeMar_DeRozan) September 4, 2024
DeRozan’s relationship with the city of Toronto was never harmed by the trade. The city has welcomed him back with open arms any time he’s returned as a visitor in the years since his exit. And DeRozan has gone on to find a ton of personal success in his five seasons away and hopes to continue doing so now as a member of the Sacramento Kings.
He has made another two All-Star teams and one All-NBA team since his departure, and now plans to return to the city to tell a part of his story with the fans he spent nine years connecting with.
DeMar DeRozan hurt by trade
DeRozan discussed his attitude toward the trade that completely altered the course of his career on the “Club 520” Podcast.
The trade still hurts DeRozan, so one can only imagine the level to which it hurt in the direct aftermath. He gave some insight as to how his next couple weeks were after the deal in 2018, saying that he didn’t talk to anyone.
Often forgotten in blockbuster trades is the fact that players have their entire lives uprooted, rarely with any warning. DeRozan had been a member of the Raptors for years and was deeply embedded in Toronto culture. And with little notice, he had to pack his bags, move to San Antonio and start anew building a relationship with a franchise.
The veteran star has every right to be frustrated by how things went down six years ago, even if he’s had plenty of personal success in the years since.
Have you subscribed to the Raptors Nation YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!
