DeRozan and Raptors management have reportedly discussed a return to Toronto

Kawhi Leonard is coming back (we think), how about DeMar DeRozan too? 

Doug Smith of the Toronto Star reported Wednesday that DeRozan and the Toronto Raptors have held conversations "both directly and through back channels" about a potential return to Toronto.

The report comes a week after the 36-year-old mid-range assassin was bought out and waived by the Sacramento Kings to create salary cap relief, throwing DeRozan into free agency.

Smith said a source close to DeRozan indicated that the six-time NBA All-Star would welcome a return to Toronto "if everything works out."

DeMar DeRozan and the Toronto Raptors have “mutual interest”, per @SmithRaps

(https://t.co/NolV4kcliZ) pic.twitter.com/wzRx30kTMY

— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) July 15, 2026

It would be a homecoming many Raptors fans would welcome with open arms.

DeRozan spent nine seasons with the Raptors after being selected ninth overall in the 2009 NBA Draft before being traded to the San Antonio Spurs in the blockbuster deal that brought Leonard to Toronto ahead of the 2018-19 season.

He still remains the franchise's all-time leading scorer with 13,296 points.

According to Smith, bringing DeRozan back is something the Toronto's front office has been considering for some time. Whether it happens though remains the biggest question.

The main limiting factor facing the Raptors front office is money.

Toronto has less than $6 million in salary cap space and would likely only be able to offer DeRozan a veteran minimum contract worth approximately $3.8 million.

Smith doesn't believe that would be a deal-breaker, considering DeRozan is still set to receive nearly $11 million in guaranteed salary from the Kings despite being waived earlier this month.

Demar DeRozan previously spent nine seasons in Toronto and remains the franchise leader in points. (John E. Sokolowski/Imagn Images)

DeRozan's potential role in Toronto would be the bigger issue.

He has been a starter everywhere he's gone, but with Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett and, if the trade is completed, Leonard already in the mix, DeRozan would likely have to accept a bench role for the first time in his career.

It would certainly be an adjustment for the Compton, Calif. native, who currently sits 16th on the NBA's all-time scoring list.

The Raptors aren't the only team reportedly interested in DeRozan either.

He's also been linked to the Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat and Golden State Warriors, all places where he could potentially have a larger role than in Toronto.