Raptors insider dumps cold water on DeMar DeRozan signing despite mutual interest

DeMar DeRozan could see himself back in the place where it all began. It has been reported that DeRozan is willing to sign with the Toronto Raptors in free agency after being waived by the Sacramento Kings a few days ago.

He started his career with the Raptors as the ninth overall pick in 2009. He quickly became a fan favorite and worked his way to become one of the team’s icons. He led Toronto to multiple runs in the playoffs and was named an All-Star four times.

Now, a full-circle moment could be on the horizon for DeRozan, who spent two years with the Kings.

The Toronto Star’s Doug Smith, however, dumped cold water on the possibility of a reunion between the high-scoring guard and the Raptors. Smith said the “realities are working against” DeRozan.

“The potential role may be the biggest hurdle. DeRozan would be a backup for the first time in Toronto, and while people who know him have been working on him to accept it, it’d be a major career shift. And because he’s so close to cracking the top 10 on the NBA career scoring list (about 2,000 points away), not starting—or not even having a featured scoring role off the bench—would put a crimp in the pursuit of a truly memorable accomplishment,” claimed Smith.

“He’s enough of a team player to do whatever is needed to win, but the change would take some adjustment.”

Smith, who has been covering the Raptors since their foundation in 1995, added that the team could only offer the veteran minimum to the 36-year-old guard, which is not too enticing. He said creating a roster spot could also be a hindrance.

Smith, however, clarified that while it is hard to see it happening, DeRozan’s possible return to the Raptors is “not an entirely dead issue.”

DeRozan averaged 19.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.0 steals in nine years in Toronto.

The post Raptors insider dumps cold water on DeMar DeRozan signing despite mutual interest appeared first on ClutchPoints.