The Toronto Raptors have been linked to a potential reunion with veteran forward DeMar DeRozan. While the idea of bringing DeRozan back is exciting, would it truly be the best move for this Raptors team?

DeRozan, 36, is still a good player. His production in recent years has been overlooked at times while playing for a lackluster Sacramento Kings team, but he is still playing well.

During the 2025-26 NBA season, the veteran averaged 18.4 points per game while shooting 49.7 percent from the field and 32 percent from beyond the arc. DeRozan also averaged 4.1 assists, 2.9 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game. 

DeRozan will help any offense he joins. The Raptors, though, already have a respectable scoring attack. While they were just 21st in points per game, Toronto was seventh in field goal percentage. The Raptors would benefit from more three-point shooting, but DeRozan's go-to shot is the mid-range jumper.

The Raptors were a good defensive team last year. They were fifth in defensive rating. DeRozan starting over another player could lead to a decrease in defensive production.

Adding a player who is in his mid-30's and would not help the Raptors' biggest offensive need -- three-point shooting -- while also potentially making the defense worse simply does not make too much sense. 

What Toronto needs is a three-and-D wing. The Raptors would also benefit from simply adding a three-point specialist. 

DeMar DeRozan is not a bad player by any means, and he is still more than capable of helping a number of teams around the NBA. For this specific Raptors team, though, DeRozan is not the best fit. 

Raptors' 2026-27 Season Outlook

There is still a lot of time before the NBA season begins. Toronto is hoping to compete this year, however. They finished as the No. 5 seed last season. The Eastern Conference is still winnable, so they could possibly compete for an NBA Finals appearance during the upcoming campaign.

Would adding DeRozan derail their championship pursuit? No, as he is a respected veteran who can help matters overall. With that being said, bringing in players who better fit the team's specific needs makes more sense for the Raptors right now.

Fans may be open to the idea of a reunion, however. Perhaps it will happen. Perhaps it won't. Only time will tell.

Either way, the Raptors are planning to compete during the 2026-27 NBA season.