DeRozan and Raptors in mutual interest talks about potential return to Toronto

DeMar DeRozan and the Toronto Raptors have held talks about a potential return to the team, with mutual interest shown on both sides.

DeRozan, 36, was bought out and waived by the Sacramento Kings last week to create salary-cap relief, throwing the six-time NBA All-Star into free agency. A source close to DeRozan indicated he would welcome returning to Toronto "if everything works out."

A homecoming would be popular among Raptors fans. DeRozan spent nine seasons with Toronto after being drafted ninth overall in 2009, before being traded to San Antonio in 2018 as part of the blockbuster deal that brought Kawhi Leonard to the team. He remains the franchise's all-time leading scorer with 13,296 points.

But the Raptors face a major hurdle: salary cap space. Toronto has less than $6 million in cap room and could likely only offer DeRozan a veteran minimum contract of approximately $3.8 million. However, DeRozan is still set to receive nearly $11 million in guaranteed salary from the Kings despite being waived, which may make a lower offer more palatable.

A bigger question is his role. DeRozan has been a starter everywhere he's gone, but with Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, and potentially Kawhi Leonard already in the mix, he would likely have to accept a bench role for the first time in his career. The Lakers, Heat, and Warriors are also reportedly interested in DeRozan.