Kawhi Leonard’s Raptors Trade Sparks DeRozan Return Talk

Kawhi Leonard’s Stunning Move to Toronto

The Raptors signaled their allegiance to Kawhi Leonard by acquiring him from the Los Angeles Clippers on June 30. In exchange, Toronto sent Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two second‑round picks, a 2027 pick swap, and unprotected first‑rounders in 2031 and 2033 to LA. Leonard, now 35, views Toronto as his final NBA destination after clinching a championship with the team in 2019. The blockbuster trade reshaped the roster and reignited speculation about other former Raptors returning.

DeRozan Boomerang: From Trade Asset to Free‑Agent Speculation

DeMar DeRozan, the franchise’s all‑time leading scorer with 13,296 points—over Kyle Lowry’s 10,540—once fueled Toronto’s pursuit of Leonard. After the Raptors dealt DeRozan to the Sacramento Kings, the Kings are now considering a buyout that would make the 36‑year‑old an unrestricted free agent. Yahoo Sports’ Kelly Iko reported that DeRozan hopes to accelerate his exit and that rival executives expect the Kings to waive him. He is in the final year of a three‑year contract signed in 2024, and his social‑media activity has added fuel to any potential return narrative.

The historic DeRozan‑Raptors Connection

DeRozan was the ninth overall pick of Toronto in 2009 and quickly became the team’s go‑to scorer, spearheading a 59‑23 season that capped the Raptors’ first‑place finish in the East. The Raptors later moved him to the San Antonio Spurs, swapping him for Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green along with Jakob Poeltl and a protected 2019 first‑round pick. That deal ultimately produced a Finals MVP and a championship for Leonard, while DeRozan continues to chase his first title after 17 seasons and 26,711 career points. The memory of that era keeps fans pondering a possible homecoming for DeRozan.

DeRozan’s Struggles in Sacramento

DeRozan logged 77 games with Sacramento in the 2025‑26 season, averaging 18.4 points and 4.1 assists per game while shooting 49.7 percent from the floor. The Kings finished the year 22‑60, securing 14th place in the Western Conference. His time in Sacramento has been marked by inconsistent production and a lack of playoff relevance, adding urgency to any potential departure. With no agreement in place between DeRozan and the franchise, the door remains open for a change of scenery.

What a DeRozan Return Would Mean for Toronto

If DeRozan re signs with the Raptors, the team would regain a proven scorer and a cultural icon who helped define the 2019 championship run. Toronto currently only has minimum‑level contracts available this summer, but adding DeRozan could reshape their backcourt and provide veteran leadership. The possibility has sparked fan excitement, though no deal is close to finalizing. Whether the momentum seen on social media turns into a real reunion remains uncertain, but the logistics are now part of the offseason conversation.

The Raptors’ aggressive pursuit of Kawhi Leonard has set the tone for a fresh start, while the DeRozan saga adds another layer of intrigue to the summer’s free‑agency chessboard. Both stories underline how roster moves from years past continue to echo in today’s basketball landscape.