The 2018-19 NBA season saw one of the most talked-about trades in basketball history when the Toronto Raptors acquired Kawhi Leonard in a blockbuster deal, sending long-time Raptor DeMar DeRozan to the San Antonio Spurs. This trade dramatically altered the course of the Raptors’ season as it ended with winning their first-ever NBA Championship. Leonard’s stellar performance in the playoffs earned him the Finals MVP award.
However, DeRozan has a different perspective on how events could have unfolded. In September 2024, he openly stated that he believed the Raptors would have won the 2019 championship even without the two-time MVP.
DeRozan’s belief is rooted in his close bond with the Raptors’ core team, which included Kyle Lowry, Pascal Siakam, and Serge Ibaka. While Leonard’s arrival undeniably brought new dimensions to the Raptors, DeRozan believes his own leadership and skills could have led to similar success.
DeMar DeRozan believes he would have won a championship with the Toronto Raptors if the Kawhi Leonard trade never happened 👀 pic.twitter.com/gSQRtmA4sq
— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) January 1, 2025
Despite never winning a title in his career, DeRozan doubled down on this belief recently. The now Sacramento Kings star reiterated his confidence that he could have led the Toronto Raptors to a championship if the trade for Leonard had not occurred.
DeMar DeRozan Reflects On Kings’ Coaching Change And His First Season
DeMar DeRozan joined the Kings this season. In his first season with the Kings, he saw the team fire their head coach, Mike Brown. During a recent media session, DeRozan shared his thoughts on Christie’s new role and their relationship.
“He brings to the table that he’s different. I don’t know crazy all summer after I signed here, I spent the majority of my time with Doug. And I’m working with them, talking with them, having a conversation, and reporting with them, obviously. I’ve known since I was young. Seeing him in this position, you know, you just approached it as a professional more so than anything,” DeRozan said.
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Till now, DeRozan has played 28 games so far with Sacramento after signing a three-year, $76 million contract with them. The Kings star averages 20.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game.
