Washington Wizards point guard John Wall understands most NBA players are never truly safe and can be traded anytime. But he also believes there’s a right way to go about moving a player, especially one as committed to his organization as DeMar DeRozan recently was north of the border.
The Toronto Raptors, in Wall’s opinion, handled moving their franchise superstar to the San Antonio Spurs extremely poorly.
“It was interesting. In my opinion, I don’t think there was loyalty shown on DeRozan’s part,” said Wall, according to Chase Hughes of NBC Sports. “This is a business and you understand that. [But], if you talk to me man-to-man, then just be honest with me. We’re all grown men.”
DeRozan complimented Toronto and its fans on his way out as part of a package that brought the Raptors two-time Defensive Player of the Year Kawhi Leonard. The four-time All-Star doesn’t think highly of Masai Ujiri, though, saying the Raptors team president wasn’t honest with him about whether he was being made available in trade discussions.
Wall and DeRozan have met as opponents in the postseason on two occasions. They also have an off-court relationship and are close friends.
Smirfitts Speech 