DeMar DeRozan was clearly unhappy after he was dealt by the Raptors. He had spent his entire 9-year career with the organization and had given his blood, sweat, and tears to the fans of Toronto before he was “blindsided” by the trade that would send him to San Antonio.
He was most upset with Toronto GM Masai Ujiri who he felt kept him in the dark, giving him no indication that he would be moved during their conversations leading up to the deal. Ujiri even admitted to discussing his expectations with DeRozan going forward just days before they would use him as a trade chip for Kawhi Leonard.
“I felt like I wasn’t treated with what I sacrificed for nine years, with the respect that I thought I deserved,” said DeRozan. “By just giving me the say-so of letting me know something’s going on, or there’s a chance. That’s all I wanted. … I’m not saying you don’t have to trade me. Just let me know something’s going on because I sacrificed everything. Just let me know. That’s all I ask.”
Mostly he was upset that Ujiri had made comments about him saying that he had to do something to prove his worth to the organization.
DeRozan called BS. “I gave everything I had to that team. Every single day and night, whatever was asked from me to make us better.”
One of the people who consoled him through the whole situation was Raptors Global Ambassador Drake.
“Yeah, day it came out, I went to Drake’s house,” DeRozan said. “Me and him sat and talked for a couple of hours. Not even on some hoops stuff. Just to hear the words that come from him being the person that he is in this world, especially in Toronto. What I meant to this city. It was what I needed.”
Drake was one of the first to wish DeRozan a proper farewell on social media for his commitment to the city and the impact he has had on Canada basketball.
Although he may not feel like it, DeRozan is beloved by the fans of Toronto, and they wish him nothing but the best for the remainder of his professional career.
