After over a month of whispers and rumors about where superstar point guard Kyrie Irving might end up, the Cleveland Cavaliers decided on a deal with the Boston Celtics. With Gordon Hayward and Al Horford as his new running mates, Irving will have an immediate opportunity to challenge LeBron James and the Cavaliers for the Eastern Conference throne.

While news of Irving's trade stole the offseason, the Toronto Raptors had a solid summer. They were able to re-sign Kyle Lowry and Serge Ibaka, indicating that they are all-in in competing with the Cavaliers and Celtics. However, the key to Toronto's success may be DeMar DeRozan as he has improved every season in his eight-year career. When asked about the Irving deal in an interview with Cari Champion of ESPN, DeRozan gave his thoughts on Irving's trade to Boston:

It’s great as long as he’s happy,” DeRozan said in an interview with ESPN’s Cari Champion. “It’s going to be interesting to play against.

The Raptors were swept in the semifinals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs by James and the Cavaliers, but now the team has to contend with two juggernauts atop their conference now. While Toronto has continuity on their side, they will struggle to match the offensive firepower Boston and Cleveland possess.

Regardless, DeRozan should once again improve after another offseason of training. The swingman has shown his mastery of the mid-range game, but we may be in store for something else this coming season.