Speculations have swirled that this upcoming season possibly could be DeMar DeRozan's last season in a Toronto Raptors uniform. Well, Raptors general manager Masai Ujiri put those rumors fast to sleep in an interview with Bryan Hayes of TSN.
Masai was asked by Bryan about extension talks with DeMar and he hit the question right out of the ball park.
"If DeMar wants an extension, I'll give it to him right now at this second," said Ujiri. He continued on to say it didn't make sense for DeRozan, as Ujiri thinks he is worth way more than what he can give him with the extension.
Ujiri claims he was misinterpreted when he said there will be no talks with DeRozan on a contract extension this season, and that it was blown out of proportion. He expects to wait until after the season to negotiate a contract extension with DeRozan and doesn't think this is what DeMar wants either, business wise.
Reports are that DeRozan will be expecting max money at the end of the season, but at the Raptors media day on Monday, he was more focused on this upcoming season and said he hasn't thought much about his contract.
"I go out there and play, and when it's time for negotiating or whatever I'll deal with it then."
When asked about if this year being an important one due to his contract he had to say this: "Every year is important for me, that's how I treat it"
The 26-year-old Compton native seems to have his mind fully focused on the upcoming season with the Raptors.
DeMar also commented on his backcourt partner Kyle Lowry's weight loss this summer and how he didn't believe it until Lowry came to visit him in L.A. DeRozan went on to say he's a lot more quicker and aerodynamic.
DeRozan seems to be in a good spot with the Raptors organization as of this moment. We'll likely hear more from both parties as the season progresses.
Here is Masai Ujiri's full interview with Bryan Hayes of TSN.