Rumors Claim DeMar DeRozan Returning to Toronto for Game 1 of Finals

Raptors GM Masai Ujiri made a brutal (but necessary) decision last offseason when he traded away DeMar DeRozan for Kawhi Leonard. However, he is reaping the rewards of that trade as we speak, as Toronto is set to play in their franchise's first NBA Finals, beginning Thursday night.

Though DeRozan was forced to move on, it seems he still has love for the city, personified by his continuing friendship with Kyle Lowry. Ahead of the biggest game in franchise history, rumors have surfaced that the former Raptors All-Star will be at Scotiabank Arena for Game 1.

While it could be an awkward reunion for DeRozan and Ujiri, the majority of Raptors fans still love and support DeRozan for his time with the team. DeRozan is also still very close to Lowry and other former teammates, whom he is surely happy to see on the big stage.

There might be some fans that mock DeRozan for his playoff failures after Kawhi's success in just one year, but there should be a warm welcome for him overall on Thursday night, especially if he makes any sort of public appearance. The trade also seems to have worked out for both sides, as DeRozan is still on a contending team, with a great coach in Gregg Popovich behind him.

If the rumors are true, we hope DeRozan gets some sort of public "big screen" moment to latch onto during the festivities.