The Raptors traded DeMar DeRozan, a 9-year homegrown, loyal talent who took a paycut in 2016 to stay with the franchise, for Kawhi Leonard on Wednesday morning. It’s a deal that has upside to make the team that much better, putting them in Finals contention, but it may come at the cost of league-wide trust.
According to ESPN’s Chris Haynes, DeRozan met with Raptors officials in Las Vegas during Summer League and came away with the belief that he wouldn’t be traded. That obviously wasn’t the case.
DeRozan appeared truly upset, taking to Instagram to voice his disappointment.
DeRozan on Instagram: Be told one thing & the outcome another. Can’t trust em. Ain’t no loyalty in this game. Sell you out quick for a little bit of nothing... Soon you’ll understand ... Don’t disturb.
Other players from around the league joined in that sentiment, including Blake Griffin and Isaiah Thomas, two players who were also recently spurned by teams they were loyal to.
— Blake Griffin (@blakegriffin23) July 18, 2018
Just learn from my story! Loyalty is just a word in this game SMH
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) July 18, 2018
Anthony Morrow questioned the Raptors front office:
Sheesh, Good luck to the Raptors in free agency after kawhi leaves after what they just pulled with Demar. No superstar wanna play for a lying a$$ organization.
— Anthony Morrow (@MrAnthonyMorrow) July 18, 2018
And plenty reacted to the coldness of the move:
Smh cold game
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) July 18, 2018
Na. They ain’t snake my man like that. https://t.co/NL0b1EUg40
— Lou Williams (@TeamLou23) July 18, 2018
I’m hurt bro. I’m hurt. My dog gave that city and organization his heart and soul. He was loyal to the soil and got stabbed in the back.
— Lou Williams (@TeamLou23) July 18, 2018
Mad respect for @DeMar_DeRozan
— Enes Kanter (@Enes_Kanter) July 18, 2018
a classy player who has given his heart to a franchise.
One of the most Loyal player I know.
Giving you away for nothing..@Raptors
Two of DeRozan’s former teammates claimed the city should build him a statue:
Dear fans of Toronto,
— Terrence Ross (@TFlight31) July 18, 2018
It’s time you guys build a statue of @DeMar_DeRozan Regardless of what happens. He deserves it.
No matter what...When I think of Toronto Raptors Basketball... I think of DeMar Derozan...He deserves a statue... ♂️ ♂️
— DeMarre Carroll (@DeMarreCarroll1) July 18, 2018
That’s the cold hard truth about the NBA, or any sports franchise really, that we learn more and more about as each star player gets moved. It’s a business, and the only things players are guaranteed are written in their contracts. Loyalty isn’t listed.