‘I never ran from a challenge’: Spurs star DeMar DeRozan delivers a strong statement about alleged trade demand

Spurs’ guard DeMar DeRozan has been surrounded with rumors that he demanded a trade away from San Antonio.

The 2019-20 season was the first season since the 1996-97 that the Spurs missed the playoffs. Ever since the Spurs’ season ended, there have been rumors that DeMar DeRozan demanded a trade away from San Antonio.

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DeRozan has previously also insinuated that he did not demand a trade, but the rumors for the same do not seem to die down.

“If something doesn’t come out of my mouth, I advise don’t believe it.”: DeMar DeRozan

DeMar DeRozan took his chance on media day to address the same issue. Instead of taking the approach he was using till now, DeRozan decided to make a strong statement this time around.

“If something doesn’t come out of my mouth, I advise don’t believe it.”

DeRozan on rumors that keep coming out that he’s not happy in San Antonio or wants out: “If something doesn’t come out of my mouth, I advise don’t believe it.”

— Paul Garcia (@PaulGarciaNBA) December 5, 2020

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DeMar has been with the Spurs for two seasons, ever since the Raptors sent him there to acquire Kawhi Leonard. DeMar DeRozan enters the final year of his contract, as he opted into his player option this season. This guarantees him a $27.7 million payday this season.

DeRozan on why he exercised his player option to return with the Spurs: “For me just being a competitor, I wasn’t satisfied with the way we ended the season. I never ran from a challenge. There was so much for us to do.”

— Paul Garcia (@PaulGarciaNBA) December 5, 2020

It also gives DeRozan a chance to make things right with the Spurs, and garner enough attention to get a hefty contract next season, when he hits free agency. This was the first time that the Spurs missed the playoffs ever since Greg Popovich took over the coaching job full-time.