The Toronto Raptors are at the center of some intriguing offseason chatter, with whispers of Kawhi Leonard possibly making a return to the team. While the idea of Leonard donning a Raptors jersey again is tantalizing, it’s likely more of a strategic play by Leonard to leverage his position with the Clippers. But let’s pivot to another familiar face who might just be a perfect fit for the Raptors right now: DeMar DeRozan.
DeRozan, who spent nine memorable seasons as the Raptors' franchise player before being traded for Leonard in 2018, might soon find himself on the market. At 36, DeRozan isn’t the primary scoring option he once was, but he could be a game-changer for Toronto’s second unit if the Sacramento Kings decide to waive him.
Recent reports suggest the Kings may stretch DeRozan’s $10 million guaranteed salary over the next three years, potentially making him a free agent. While the Clippers are reportedly favorites to land him, the Raptors should seriously consider bringing DeRozan back for a fitting finale to his illustrious career.
In the last season, DeRozan put up solid numbers, averaging 18.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game, shooting an efficient 49.7% from the field. His ability to contribute offensively is undeniable, and for a Raptors squad that boasted a strong bench but lacked a go-to scorer, DeRozan could be the missing piece.
However, there’s a catch. DeRozan’s game doesn’t revolve around three-point shooting, a skill the Raptors desperately needed in the 2025-26 season.
With RJ Barrett and Brandon Ingram already in the mix as primarily inside-the-arc scorers, adding DeRozan might seem like a step back in terms of floor spacing. But there’s a potential solution: moving Barrett could open up financial flexibility and allow the Raptors to bring in a shooter while integrating DeRozan into the lineup.
Bringing DeRozan back would not only be a cost-effective move compared to Barrett’s contract but also pave the way for emerging talent like Ja’Kobe Walter to step into a starting role. DeRozan’s experience and scoring ability could provide the Raptors' second unit with the leadership and firepower it needs.
As the Raptors contemplate reuniting with former players, DeRozan should be at the top of their list. Unlike the 2018 offseason, this time, DeRozan could be the key to bolstering Toronto’s bench and giving him the storybook ending he deserves. It seems like a win-win scenario for both the player and the franchise.
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Raptors Center Search Just Hit Another Frustrating Free Agency Wall
The Raptors search for help at center has led them to Jock Landale, but getting into the mix may be the easy part. Toronto is among the teams showing interest in the big man as free agency opens, and that puts him squarely on the radar for a club still trying to strengthen its frontcourt without overcommitting to the wrong fit.
What makes this pursuit tricky is the market around Landale, which looks busy and expensive. Multiple contenders are expected to be in the hunt, and the price is trending beyond the bi-annual exception, leaving Toronto to weigh whether it can keep pace if the bidding gets serious or if another team simply has a cleaner path to land a center upgrade. [Read more 🡒]
Raptors Are Back In A Kawhi Reunion Story Nobody Saw Coming
The idea of a Kawhi Leonard reunion in Toronto is the kind of rumor that instantly pulls the franchises past back into the present, even if it is still living mostly in the realm of inquiries rather than actual negotiations. The Clippers have been fielding calls from teams that include the Raptors and Mavericks, but they have not started any trade discussions of their own, which keeps this in the category of a possibility rather than a pursuit.
For Toronto, the appeal is obvious: Leonard remains one of the most consequential names in the league, and any opening around him will naturally draw attention. Still, the Clippers are exploring what a deal would look like if they ever moved forward, and the pieces they would want are the sort of young assets that can shape a future, not just the headline-grabbing names that generate the buzz. Leonard and the team continue to communicate about his future, and there is no sign from his side that he is pushing toward an exit. [Read more 🡒]
Raptors Fans Suddenly Face A Tough Kawhi Reunion Question
Kawhi Leonards name is back in the mix around Toronto, and that alone is enough to stir old feelings across the fan base. The Raptors have shown conditional interest in a possible reunion with the former Finals MVP, who just finished a strong season with the Clippers and remains the player who helped deliver the franchises lone NBA championship.
The catch is the same one that tends to shadow any big-name pursuit: the price has to make sense. Toronto is hardly alone in the conversation, with the Spurs and Mavericks also linked to Leonard in trade talk, and the real question now is whether the Raptors would even be willing to go where a deal of this size would likely require them to go. [Read more 🡒]