DeMar DeRozan writes a heartbreaking farewell note in Toronto

Reviews were split as a result of Kawhi Leonard's blockbuster hit in Toronto, which cost the team and the city probably the most beloved player in the history of the Raptors [19659002]. debate, however: everyone loves DeMar DeRozan. He will be sorely missed by a fan base that has aspired to have high caliber athletes who do not play hockey adopt Toronto as their home.

DeRozan, like many fans, would have been devastated and heartbroken after being traded He wrote a moving farewell message on Instagram Saturday to show his love and appreciation to the team and the city that He called home for the last nine years.

Many seem to understand the nature of the trade and realize that even though there is a huge risk, especially if Leonard does not sign again, Masai Ujiri and the Raptors have had to make a huge reshuffle beyond the simple fact to dismiss their head coach after another early disappointment in the playoffs. it does not particularly concern anyone's feelings, of course, but there is always that human element. The bonds that are created between the players, the teams and the fans make these transactions very difficult to support on all sides.

Josh Lewenberg, of TSN, has it beautifully dissected, trying to shed light on the reasons for this trade. so devastating for DeRozan:

For what it's worth DeMar can always console himself knowing that he is one of the most loved and respected players (and people) of all through the art of Toronto.

When the dust settles and the sting wears out, I'll come back to this story as one of the best love stories between gamers and city-dwellers, even if it was not really an end of fairy tale.

In sports, this is rarely the case.

<p clbad = "canvas-atom canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = " More cover of the NBA on Yahoo Sports: "data-reactid =" 35 "> More coverage of the NBA on Yahoo Sports: