Raptors could reunite with DeMar DeRozan via trade?

Toronto’s exiled son may be coming on home in the not-too-distant future.

In a piece by Frank Urbina of HoopsHype that ran Wednesday, an anonymous Western Conference executive was quoted as saying that the Raptors would be a logical trade destination for San Antonio Spurs swingman DeMar DeRozan.

“It sounds crazy, but Toronto actually makes a lot of sense as a landing spot for DeRozan,” the executive said. “As far as what Toronto would have to give up, it would probably be a first-round pick plus Serge Ibaka or Marc Gasol.”

The 30-year-old DeRozan was, of course, a lifelong Raptor until the team traded him to the Spurs for Kawhi Leonard in 2018, netting them their first-ever NBA title. DeRozan is now averaging 22.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game in his second season with San Antonio. He is making $27.7 million this season and has a player option for the same amount in 2020-21.

DeRozan is still beloved in Toronto and did not leave out of his own volition, so the fanbase would obviously love him back if the circumstances line up.