The Toronto Raptors are currently one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference standings. The stellar play of their backcourt of Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan has propelled them to one of the East's elite teams.
Despite this, the team has been in the center of various trade rumors mostly because their starting shooting guard DeRozan is set to be a free agent next year.
It was seen on Lakers' fan website lakersnation.com that the Los Angeles Lakers are ready to offer DeRozan the max contract next summer.
While DeRozan has been known to be extremely loyal to the Raptors franchise, the fact that Ujiri has yet to offer the athletic guard an extension seems likely that the team will not be willing to offer him the max deal. Throw in the fact that DeRozan grew up in California, the team's offer could be most enticing.
As reported by sircharlesincharge.com, DeRozan's hometown was in California. Moreover, with the trend of superstar players like Lebron James and Carmelo Anthony playing in their hometown, rumors have indicated that DeRozan could possibly go back to the city of angels.
It was reported by yibada.com that given the possibility that DeRozan could leave the team via free agency, the Raptors could explore trades for him since "the projected max salary for him would not sit well with Raptors GM Masai Ujiri, especially since they believe they have a legitimate shot at Kevin Durant."
One potential trade partner could be the Los Angeles Clippers. According to sbnation.com, the All-Star Clippers forward could be one the trading block given his recent off-court issues.
The Clippers and Raptors are 2 teams that have seen early exits in the Playoffs despite successful regular season campaigns.
Experts believe that if the 2 teams decide to do a complete rebuild, the Clippers could trade Griffin to the Raptors for DeRozan, draft picks, Terrence Ross and DeMarre Carrol.
