Star DeMar DeRozan is preparing for his first campaign with the Sacramento Kings in the 2024-25 season. In July, the Kings acquired the California native via a sign-and-trade. Last season, the Kings finished with a 46-35 record. Though this was just a two-game dropoff from the season before, the Kings earned the No. 9 seed and missed the playoffs entirely. By adding DeRozan, they are hoping he can be a reinforcement as they aim to get back to the playoffs.
DeRozan has spent the last three seasons of his career with the Chicago Bulls. Arguably, he enjoyed the best years of his career in Chicago. DeRozan was a two-time All-Star in Chicago. Furthermore, he was a one-time All-NBA Second Team selection and finished 10th in MVP voting in 2022. Additionally, he finished in the top three for Clutch Player of the Year in each of the past two seasons. He also enjoyed another three-year stint with the San Antonio Spurs. While this was also a solid run, nothing will overtake his nine-year career with the Toronto Raptors. And according to the 35-year-old himself, there is a chance he finds himself in Toronto once again down the line.
DeMar DeRozan Speaks About Potentially Retiring With Raptors
DeMar DeRozan is Open to Retiring With Toronto Raptors
In a recent interview with Doug Smith of the Toronto Star, DeRozan spoke about his time in Toronto. Although he has not been a part of the team in six years, he still has a lot of love for the city and the organization. DeRozan told Smith that, if the opportunity came up, he would not “turn something like that down.”
“You definitely want to go out in a poetic way, especially where it all started,” DeRozan said. “If I had the opportunity to do something like that, you can’t turn something like that down, to put on that jersey for the last time, because it was the first jersey you put on.”
Former Teammate Kyle Lowry Previously Said He Will Retire as a Raptor
Philadelphia 76ers guard Kyle Lowry, who was teammates with DeRozan from 2012 to 2018, previously said he will “definitely” retire as a Raptor.
Kyle Lowry says he “will retire as a Toronto Raptor.” 🥹 pic.twitter.com/ql8SMzm36x
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) December 6, 2023
“I’m definitely retiring as a Raptor,” Lowry said. “That’s something I’ve said since I left here.”
Lowry and DeRozan made up one of the league’s best duos during their time in Toronto. A potential reunion in Toronto would certainly be a welcome sight for Raptors fans. However, Lowry, who will turn 39 next March, is more likely to sign a ceremonial one-day contract as opposed to having another stint with the team. Regardless, it is heartwarming that both players still speak highly of their time with the Raptors.
Last Word On DeMar DeRozan
While a retirement with the Raptors is possible, that is unlikely to happen soon. The wing signed a three-year, $74 million contract in the offseason. And like the Kings, his Bulls also failed to make the playoffs last season. The clock is ticking for DeRozan’s time in the NBA. As he prepares for his 16th season in the league, DeRozan is aiming to win a championship before it is all said and done.
