The Toronto Raptors have emerged as a top destination for DeMar DeRozan after the veteran guard cleared waivers with the Sacramento Kings. The timing is critical because the league’s biggest free-agency question , where LeBron James will sign , is about to be answered, and teams that miss out could look to DeRozan as a cheaper, ready-made alternative.
DeRozan’s connection to Toronto runs deep. The Raptors originally moved him in a trade that brought Kawhi Leonard to the club, a deal that reshaped the franchise and ultimately led to a championship. Revisiting that transaction would give Toronto a familiar piece that already fits its recent identity, and the familiarity could accelerate his integration into the team’s system.
LeBron’s shortlist currently includes the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers and Philadelphia 76ers. Any of those clubs that fail to land the superstar will need a high-output guard to fill the void, and the Heat have previously been linked to DeRozan. The pattern suggests that a missed LeBron landing could turn DeRozan into a “Plan B” option for teams seeking veteran scoring without a max-scale contract. Both LeBron and DeRozan share a player profile that emphasizes the ability to create their own shot, making DeRozan a logical backup for offenses designed around a dominant playmaker.
From a roster-building perspective, DeRozan is an unrestricted free agent, meaning Toronto can add him without sacrificing a first-round pick. His contract is modest compared with the deal LeBron would command, leaving cap space for depth or future extensions. Integrating him as a bench contributor would preserve starter minutes while providing a reliable scoring punch, and his experience in high-pressure playoff moments adds a level of poise that the current rotation lacks.
The next few weeks are decisive. Toronto must convey interest to DeRozan’s camp immediately, negotiate a contract that respects cap constraints, and bring him into the offseason program before the draft and training camp begin. Acting now would lock in a proven scorer and keep the LeBron decision from dictating the Raptors’ roster strategy; hesitation could see DeRozan sign elsewhere and widen the competitive gap.
