Fans react to a team without DeMar DeRozan
It was news many Raptors fans didn’t want to wake up to: DeMar DeRozan is no longer a Raptor.
As the news of the franchisealtering trade that sends one of the Raptors’ most successful and popular players to the San Antonio Spurs in exchange for disgruntled all-star Kawhi Leonard broke Wednesday morning, fans reacted with a wave of sadness, gratitude and anger.
“The best Raptor in franchise history in my eyes. Thank you for representing the North proud,” wrote Sean Whittle on Twitter.
“I’m done with the Raptors officially the first player that was loyal to them and this is how the do him,” wrote Viktor Gergo.
There were a lot of emoji tears shed in the wake of the news.
Many fans posted that they are sad to see DeRozan, who once boasted “I am Toronto,” play for another team.
“DeMar DeRozan loved this city with all of his heart. never even considered going anywhere else, including his hometown (la). he was loyal until the end and always represented this city with pride. he actually wanted to be here. very sad outcome for our greatest franchise player,” said Twitter user shamaplan.
Raptors fan @BrettGansley posted of a video where he is seen being emotional as he looks over his DeRozan jerseys while Puff Daddy’s 90s hit song “I’ll be Missing You” plays in the background.
Many fans also expressed their disappointment on the Wednesday’s moves.
“I’m not a raptors fan anymore. Just traded the only player that ever wanted to be a Raptor. So sad for Demar man. Greatest raptor ever, you were this franchise. Thanks for everything
@DeMar_DeRozan you’re the best,” Twitter user @ConnorBurgress8 wrote.
Fans were quick to point out that DeRozan was a primary reason for the team’s success over the past five seasons, worked hard and frequently repeated his desire to stay in Toronto.
“I’m sick. Nobody wanted to play here. We were terrible for so many years. Then we drafted a kid from Compton. He worked harder than anyone. Became our perennial all-star. Turned this team into a contender. And never wanted to play anywhere else. Thanks @DeMar_DeRozan.
GOAT Raptor,” wrote @mosphere_yo.
But fans also thanked DeRozan for his contributions to the team and the city for the almost a decade and wished him success in San Antonio.
“@DeMar_DeRozan thanks for being the quintessential Raptor. You’re THE franchise great and define the team. Best of luck in SA,” wrote @theRealKevHaug.
DeRozan, 28, was drafted by the Raptors in 2009. He is a four-time NBA all-star.
The Raptors are getting all-star forward Kawhi Leonard and guard Danny Green from the Spurs. Toronto is also sending centre Jacob Poeltl and a protected first-round pick with DeRozan.
Leonard, a 27-year-old Los Angeles native, had spent much of last season injured and unhappy with the Spurs, before finally demanding a trade.
Leonard, who has one year left on his contract, will be paid $21 million (U.S.) this season and will be an unrestricted free agent in July next year.