Toronto Raptors decided to part ways with their franchise star DeMar DeRozan recently, sending him to San Antonio Spurs as part of the trade for Kawhi Leonard. DeRozan, who apparently thought he will retire as a Raptor, was shocked by this decision primarily because he was promised just a few weeks ago that he won’t be traded. Or maybe not?
According to Raptors president Masai Ujiri, DeRozan thinking he is off-limits in trade talks was a result of miscommunication.
“I had a conversation with DeMar at summer league, and I really want to leave it at that,” – said Ujiri on Friday. “We spoke … I think maybe my mistake was talking about what we expected going forward from him. So, not necessarily talking about a trade but what I expect from him going forward, and I think that’s where the gap was.”
“In my job, I always have to assume we’re going forward with the team that I have. If there was a miscommunication there, I do apologize to DeMar and his family and his representation. It’s not what I meant.” – he added.
No one around the league expected the Raptors to trade DeMar DeRozan, especially since he was considered the cornerstone of the franchise. He was also one of the rare All-Stars that loved playing in Canada and didn’t leave at the first chance they got. Unlike DeRozan, former Raptors star players like Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady and Chris Bosh all choose to leave Toronto at their prime.
