When the Toronto Raptors traded DeMar DeRozan to the San Antonio Spurs in exchange for Kawhi Leonard during the 2018 offseason, it caught many off guard. The trade was pivotal as it helped the Raptors win the NBA championship that season, while DeRozan began his chapter with the Spurs. Recently, DeRozan shared details about an unexpected phone call he made right after the trade, shedding light on his initial reaction and connections to former teammates.

DeRozan’s Immediate Reaction to the Trade

DeRozan had long identified strongly with the Raptors, making the trade emotionally challenging. On a podcast episode of 7PM in Brooklyn, hosted by Carmelo Anthony and Rudy Gay, DeRozan revealed he called only two people right after learning the news. First, he dialed Raptors guard Kyle Lowry, and second, he called Rudy Gay, who had joined the Spurs the previous year.

Recalling the phone call with Gay, DeRozan said,

“To show you how crazy this guy [Rudy Gay] is, I get traded from Toronto in the middle of the night. I’m sick, I’m hot, I’m walking down the street. I’m sitting in a [expletive] fast food parking lot. I called two people. First person I called to tell was Kyle Lowry. Second, I called this [expletive], right? I said, ‘Yeah, bro. These [expletive] just traded me.’ [expletive] said ‘Haha,’ laughing. He’s laughing on the phone. I’m like, ‘What the [expletive] man?’”

Despite becoming teammates on the Spurs, Gay’s laughter surprised DeRozan, who ended the call puzzled. Carmelo Anthony inquired why Gay reacted that way, to which DeRozan explained,

“He was hurt, and he was just so mad. It was funny to me. He’s like, ‘Yo, like man, [expletive] these [expletive].’ I was like, ‘Yo, chill out, man.’”

DeRozan’s Tenure with the Spurs and Career Impact

Following the trade, DeRozan played three seasons with the Spurs, teaming up with stars like LaMarcus Aldridge. While the Spurs remained competitive, they never reached the championship level that the Raptors did immediately after the trade. DeRozan’s career has been marked by consistent personal success, including placing him among the NBA’s top 25 all-time scorers, even if playoff success has been elusive.

After his stint in San Antonio, DeRozan moved on to the Chicago Bulls, continuing his role as a leading scorer and veteran presence. The trade continues to be a defining moment in his career, illustrating the unpredictable nature of NBA team-building and player movement.

The Lasting Significance of the Spurs-Raptors Deal

The swap of DeRozan for Kawhi Leonard remains one of the most notable trades in recent NBA history, directly influencing the Raptors’ championship triumph. DeRozan’s account of his phone call with Rudy Gay adds a human dimension to the story, revealing the emotions and reactions behind the scenes. This trade not only changed the trajectory of the teams involved but also shaped the careers and legacies of both DeRozan and Leonard.

As DeRozan continues his career with the Bulls, fans and analysts often reflect on this key moment in NBA trades, recognizing its impact on league dynamics and championship outcomes.