What Toronto’s Championship Cost DeMar DeRozan

Toronto won the 2019 NBA championship after trading DeMar DeRozan for Kawhi Leonard. But what did that decision cost the player who had spent nine seasons helping the Raptors grow — and why does he still call Toronto home? In this Buzzer Backstories documentary, DeRozan's conversation with Draymond Green, Kyle Lowry's interview with Rachel Nichols and their September 2026 media appearances reveal the human side of one of the biggest decisions in Raptors history. We follow the story from DeMar's difficult adjustment to a new country to the pride he took in representing Toronto, the communication surrounding his trade to San Antonio, and the complicated experience of supporting former teammates as they reached the moment he had wanted to share with them. Lowry's comments add another perspective: how do you process your best friend's departure while helping a new team move forward? And what should a franchise remember about the players who helped build it before the championship arrived? The story ends with a question that still matters to Raptors fans: should DeMar DeRozan's No. 10 hang in Toronto's rafters? Tell us your answer in the comments — and give your strongest reason. Does his contribution to the franchise deserve that honor, even without a championship in a Raptors jersey? Subscribe to Buzzer Backstories for NBA stories built around real interviews, defining decisions and the people behind the game. INTERVIEW SOURCES 1.⁠ ⁠DeMar DeRozan with Draymond Green — Bleacher Report, Chips (October 18, 2021)    • DeMar DeRozan Thought About Joining The La...   2.⁠ ⁠Kyle Lowry with Rachel Nichols — ESPN, The Jump (December 5, 2018)    • Kyle Lowry felt ‘betrayed’ over DeMar DeRo...   3.⁠ ⁠Lowry Golf Tournament — Toronto Raptors (September 18, 2026)    • Lowry Golf Tournament | Full Media Availab...   The interviews were recorded at different points in this story. Archive dates are identified in the video. Lowry's comments about retiring DeRozan's jersey express his view; they are not an announcement from the Raptors. #DeMarDeRozan #TorontoRaptors #NBA