As the Toronto Raptors await the verdict on the Kawhi Leonard investigation, they may have their sights set on a reunion with another former franchise star. Franchise legend DeMar DeRozan is a free agent and could be a potential option for the Raptors, per Doug Smith of the Toronto Star.
If the Raptors were able to land both Leonard and DeRozan, that would be a coup. Especially if the NBA suspends Leonard.
In that case, Toronto might have the upper hand in the trade with the Los Angeles Clippers. Possibly helping them to retain some of their picks. Additionally, the Raptors could still re-sign DeRozan, though he'd have to take a step paycut.
The Raptors may reunite with both Kawhi Leonard and DeMar DeRozan
Reuniting with both Leonard and DeRozan would be a dream come true for Raptors fans. After all, both rank among the best players in franchise history.
However, reuniting with both wouldn't be a nostalgia act. Each could help the Raptors emerge as true contenders. In fact, Leonard is coming off arguably the best season of his career.
Even despite injury concerns and the investigation surrounding him, he'd be a massive improvement over Brandon Ingram. As for DeRozan, he is still an above-average scorer and playmaker.
The Raptors can't afford to let this opportunity pass
The Raptors clearly aren't content being a lower-end playoff team. Unfortunately, they have limited ways to improve. Therefore, they must seize the opportunity to acquire two talented players who actually want to be in Toronto.
In doing so, they could emerge as contenders in the Eastern Conference and possibly even challenge the New York Knicks. At the very least, they would keep pace with teams such as the Indiana Pacers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Miami Heat.
Each of those teams is projected to be far better next season. As a result, a reunion with Leonard and DeRozan could make plenty of sense for the Raptors.
