This Friday, nearly seven months to the day that he was traded from the Toronto Raptors to the San Antonio Spurs, “Mr. Toronto”, DeMar DeRozan will make his return to the city that he played in for nine years.
The trade was described as stunning and franchise altering and sent shockwaves throughout the city. Questions about ‘loyalty’, ‘trust’ and ‘honesty’ filled sports radio and the sport talk shows.
The fanbase was understandably split, wondering if the gamble was worth it – giving up on one of the few guys who wanted to stay in Toronto for an entire career; a player often described as demonstrating integrity, work ethic, and character; a guy who wanted to own every franchise record – all for a guy in Leonard who may bolt after one season.