Toronto Raptors shooting guard DeMar DeRozan opted out of his contract to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. DeRozan has shown no signs of wanting to leave Toronto. His intention has only been to re-sign.
ESPN’s Tim McMahon reports that DeRozan has no intention of conducting meetings with any other teams this summer to focus on his new deal with the Raptors:
Source: DeMar DeRozan will focus on getting a deal done to return to the Raptors as free agency opens. No plans to meet with other teams barring the unforeseen development of talks breaking down the Toronto.
Toronto’s top priority this summer is DeRozan. They aren’t in a position to simply let one of the top handful of shooting guards in the NBA walk away. He will earn a max deal and be locked in for the Raptors, but going forward their challenge is expanding their talent outside of their All-Star backcourt. A trip to the Eastern Conference Finals this season was commendable, but the Raptors aren’t any closer to being able to rightfully challenge the Cavaliers.
DeRozan has been previously linked to the Los Angeles Lakers, who at one time were reportedly willing to offer DeRozan a max contract. Any potential interest is now deemed irrelevant as DeRozan’s intent to stay with the Raptors remains consistent.
