DeMar DeRozan clearly didn't like the way things went down in Toronto. After he believed his spot on the roster was safe, Raptors president Masai Ujiri dealt the All-Star to San Antonio for Kawhi Leonard.
On Friday, Ujiri tried to explain the situation, but DeRozan doesn't appear to buy the explanation. The newest Spur posted an Instagram story with a single emoji: the facepalm.
Thinking DeMar might not be ready to accept Masai's apology. pic.twitter.com/ChycL3Fj0x
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) July 20, 2018
This has to be in response to Ujiri's comments made on Friday. DeRozan's frustration stems from the belief that he wasn't in any danger of being traded after a conversation he had with Ujiri in Las Vegas.
After being traded, the All-Star is understandably frustrated. He was incredibly loyal to the city of Toronto and the Raptors organization. He was drafted with the ninth overall pick in 2009 and spent nine seasons in Toronto.
His loyalty was repaid with a one-way ticket to San Antonio. Fans routinely attack players for leaving their team (i.e. Kevin Durant, DeMarcus Cousins, LeBron James), but when the Raptors turn their back on DeRozan, fans quickly mention that the NBA is a business and team's are only acting in their best interests.
Of course, the NBA is a business and Ujiri traded DeRozan because he believes it gives the franchise the best possible chance to succeed. But if DeRozan had left for greener pastures in 2016, fans would have likely skewered him for showing no loyalty to Toronto.
It's understandable that DeMar DeRozan is upset with how this situation unfolded. But it's the nature of the beast and it's just another reason why players should feel no remorse for acting in their own best interests.
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