DeMar DeRozan And The Toronto Raptors: Legacy, Jersey Retirement Rumors, And The Road To A Scotiabank Arena Reunion
As the NBA prepares for the upcoming 2026-27 season, the enduring connection between DeMar DeRozan and the Toronto Raptors remains one of the league's most compelling narratives. Despite wearing different uniforms since his departure in 2018, DeRozan is still widely considered the modern heartbeat of basketball in Canada. With DeRozan entering the final year of his multi-year contract in the fall of 2026, speculation is reaching a fever pitch regarding a potential ceremonial return to the North.
| Metric / Event | Detail / Status |
|---|---|
| Raptors Career Years | 2009 – 2018 (9 Seasons) |
| All-Star Appearances with TOR | 4 (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018) |
| Franchise All-Time Leader | Points (13,296), Games Played (675) |
| Current 2026-27 NBA Team | Sacramento Kings |
| Jersey Retirement Status | Highly anticipated post-career honor |
The Architecture of Loyalty and the "We The North" Legacy
DeMar DeRozan did not just play for Toronto; he embraced a city and a country that had long been abandoned by prior superstars. Drafted ninth overall in 2009, DeRozan famously tweeted, "Don't worry, I got us," shortly after Chris Bosh departed in free agency. He lived up to that promise, pairing with point guard Kyle Lowry to spearhead the most successful, consistent era in franchise history.
Though the blockbuster 2018 trade for Kawhi Leonard brought Toronto its elusive championship, it left a lingering emotional wound for fans who wanted to see DeRozan lift the trophy. Today, in 2026, that pain has fully softened into pure appreciation. DeRozan remains the franchise leader in total points, games played, and field goals made, cementing his status as an active legend in Southern Ontario.
Broadcast Schedule and Tickets for DeRozan’s Toronto Returns
For Canadian basketball fans, any game featuring DeRozan returning to Scotiabank Arena is an instant marquee event on the sports calendar. With the 2026-27 NBA schedule locked in, securing tickets early is essential as these matchups consistently command premium prices.
- Local Canadian Broadcasts: Fans across Canada can catch matchups featuring DeRozan live on TSN and Sportsnet.
- National & Streaming Options: US viewers and international fans can stream the games live via NBA League Pass or national cable partners.
- The Ovation Factor: Expect a thunderous standing ovation for number 10 every time his name is announced in the starting lineup, a tradition Toronto fans have passionately kept alive.
2017-18 Player Review: DeMar DeRozan - Raptors Republic
The 2027 Offseason and the Path to a Retired Jersey
What lies ahead for the veteran swingman as he plays out the final year of his current contract? Insiders suggest that a ceremonial return to Toronto is highly likely before he calls time on his illustrious career.
The debate among NBA analysts is no longer if the Raptors will retire DeRozan’s jersey, but when. Following recent franchise tributes to past icons, the general consensus is that both DeRozan (#10) and Kyle Lowry (#7) will eventually see their numbers raised to the rafters of Scotiabank Arena. Signing a ceremonial one-day contract to officially retire as a member of the Toronto Raptors would perfectly close the book on one of the most beloved player-city relationships in modern sports history.
