DeMar DeRozan offers heartfelt goodbye to Toronto

DeMar DeRozan never wanted to leave Toronto, but after getting dealt to the San Antonio Spurs in a blockbuster trade for Kawhi Leonard, DeRozan finds himself leaving Canada and The Six.

DeRozan finally spoke up on the trade, writing a small, passionate love-letter to the city he called home since he was 19-years-old.

Words could never express what you’ve meant to me. I was just a 19 year old kid from Compton when we first met, but you took me in and embraced me as one of your own. I am so grateful for the Love and Passion that you’ve given me over the past 9 years. All I ever wanted to do was duplicate it 10x over just to show my appreciation. Thank you Toronto, thank you Canada. #Comp10 #ProveEm

A post shared by DeMar DeRozan (@demar_derozan) on Jul 21, 2018 at 10:14am PDT

It’s sad DeRozan is leaving the place he called home. Leaving Toronto after becoming such a beloved figure and growing as both a pro and a person must be tough. But, that’s life in the NBA. The trade might hurt, but at the end of the day it’s a business and DeRozan is moving on.

Toronto will miss you just as much if not more than you miss it DeMar. DeRozan leaves as the best player in franchise history.

[Uproxx]