NBA Rumors: DeMar DeRozan is focusing on Raptors

May 27, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) looks to play a ball as Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith (5) tries to defend during the third quarter in game six of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. The Cleveland Cavaliers won 113-87. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /

DeMar DeRozan is attempting to remain in Toronto

Demar DeRozan of the Toronto Raptors will be attempting to stay exactly where he is. According to ESPN’s Tim McMahon, DeRozan will focus on getting a deal with the Raptors as free agency opens. This news comes on the heels of DeRozan committing to the dominant USA Men’s Basketball team for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics. The Los Angeles Lakers, Orlando Magic, Boston Celtics, and Brooklyn Nets were reportedly interested in DeRozan.

DeRozan was a force on the court for the Raptors in the 2015-16 season, averaging 23.5 points per game in the regular season and 20.9 in the postseason. The relatively young Raptor was lights out during the Raptors’ series with the Cleveland Cavaliers, scoring at least 14 points in every game, and 32 points in each of the Raptors’ two wins in the series.

The Toronto star was criticized for taking tough shots and his bad shot percentage in the playoffs, but ultimately you won’t find much better in free agency. There aren’t many quality shooting guards in this year’s free agency, and with the NBA’s salary cap increasing due to TV deals, re-signing DeRozan has been a top priority for the Raptors. The Raptors overachieved in the 2016 playoffs, peeling two wins off the eventual champion Cleveland Cavaliers. With Toronto’s history of stars leaving, they simply cannot afford to let Demar DeRozan walk away.

For more NBA free agency news, visit our NBA free agency hub.

Home/NBA