TORONTO – Raptors general manager Masai Ujiri says his top priority this off-season is to bring back impending free agent DeMar DeRozan.
Talking to reporters three days after Toronto was eliminated from the Eastern Conference final, Ujiri said keeping the all-star guard would be the “No. 1 goal” as the team tries to build on its groundbreaking 2015-16 season.
Toronto set a franchise record this season with 56 wins and advanced to the final four for the first time in team history, but Ujiri would only say the Raptors have taken “baby steps” toward becoming a contender.
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The Raptors were eliminated by Cleveland in six games in the Eastern Conference final, and the talent gulf between Toronto and elite teams like the Cavaliers was exposed in the series.
He said it was important to continue to build a winning culture in Toronto. The optics of signing DeRozan, who is expected to fetch maximum money on the open market, would certainly help.
DeRozan, who was drafted by Toronto ninth overall in 2009, is coming off his best statistical season with the Raptors, averaging 23.5 points per game and earning all-star honours for the second time in his career.
The 26-year-old from Compton, Calif., forms half of Toronto’s dynamic backcourt alongside fellow all-star Kyle Lowry.
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Ujiri also thanked the players for Toronto’s groundbreaking season and says he would “go to war” alongside the team’s raucous fans.
He said Dwane Casey will be back on the sidelines next season and is the Raptors’ coach of the future. Casey is entering the team option year of his current contract.
The next order of business for Ujiri will be the NBA draft, in which the Raptors own the ninth overall pick.