Raptors all-star swingman DeRozan leaves Toronto after nine-year run
TORONTO — A franchise leader in points and games played. A leader as popular with fans as he was with teammates. A Raptor to the core and a man who loved Toronto.
DeMar DeRozan left the only NBA franchise he has ever known Wednesday, shipped to the San Antonio Spurs in a blockbuster trade that sent star forward Kawhi Leonard to the Raptors.
The departure of the nine-year veteran had some former teammates calling for a DeRozan statue to be erected outside Scotiabank Arena. Fans, politicians and NBA players chimed in on the trade news and rapper/actor Drake weighed in with a lengthy Instagram post.
DeRozan, a four-time all-star, was everything a team could want in a franchise player. He was a leader on and off the court and a true professional.