‘That’s what made it hurt even more!’ – DeMar DeRozan opens up about painful Raptors exit
In 2018, DeMar DeRozan was acquired by the San Antonio Spurs from the Toronto Raptors. Kawhi Leonard was moved to the Raptors in the trade, and they went on to win the 2019 NBA Championship. DeRozan recently discussed his emotions and the extent to which the trade affected him.
After almost ten years with the Raptors, DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry developed a close friendship. Even with their achievements, the club was unable to defeat LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the postseason. Given that LeBron James had left the East, DeRozan felt deceived by the trade.
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 acknowledged missing his pal Kyle Lowry’s championship victory because of his intense sentiments of hurt and betrayal. Although he accepted that the Toronto Raptors were correct to acquire Kawhi Leonard, he still finds it to be a terrible experience.
In retrospect, DeRozan’s story serves as a sobering reminder of the brutal reality of the NBA. Even if the Raptors’ championship victory was remarkable, DeRozan’s commitment to the team and allegiance were sacrificed. DeRozan is still one of the greatest NBA players to play for the Raptors, though.
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
With an average of 24.0 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game on 48.0% shooting during the previous season, DeRozan was the most reliable player for the Bulls. The Bulls struggled without Lonzo Ball’s potent offense and ended ninth in the East with a 39-43 record despite having DeRozan and Zach LaVine.
There is pressure on the Bulls to either up their ceiling or save their regime. They could be able to make the playoffs with the addition of supporting players and bench filler, but they might not be a real threat without big adjustments.
