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.
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Words could never express what you’ve meant to me. I was just a 19 year old kid from Compton when we first met, but you took me in and embraced me as one of your own. I am so grateful for the Love and Passion that you’ve given me over the past 9 years. All I ever wanted to do was duplicate it 10x over just to show my appreciation. Thank you Toronto, thank you Canada. #Comp10 #ProveEm
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.
To my brother @demar_derozan I want to say 10 million thank you’s on behalf of YOUR city. You are a fixture in Toronto forever and you gave everything you had. Through your leadership we had the most exciting years in franchise history. I am grateful to have witnessed your combination of skill, persistence, and loyalty from the same seats every night. Thank you for being an incredible captain and an even better friend. To Kawhi…we look forward to a this new chapter and we welcome you to the most intense and supportive city in NBA basketball!!! You have always been a poised clinical warrior and I can’t wait to see how Toronto inspires your fight. Let’s Go Raptors.
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.
The post DeMar DeRozan Speaks Out After Being Traded by Raptors appeared first on Rush Hour Daily News | Breaking News, U.S & World News, Politics & Opinions - News around the World.
