The Raptors went further than they'd ever been in the playoffs in 2016, and they are determined not to go backward.
After reaching the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in franchise history, the Raptors hope to keep the gang together: They've made it a priority to retain coach Dwane Casey and All-Star guard DeMar DeRozan.
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"Our No. 1 goal is to bring DeMar back here," Raptors general manager Masai Ujiri said Monday, via ESPN.
"We feel great that he wants to come back to our organisation. I spoke to him (Sunday), and his eyes were still red. You could tell. He said he felt empty the next day, which was telling."
The 26-year-old guard will be an unrestricted free agent after averaging 23.5 points per game in the regular season. He averaged 23 points per game in the conference finals against the Cavaliers, and had consecutive 32-point games in Toronto's two wins. He will likely be a highly sought piece on the free-agent market this summer.
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As for Casey, who is entering the option year of his contract, the Raptors don’t seem to have any doubt they’ll be able to lock him up long term.
"Coach Casey's our coach for the future," Ujiri said. "That's very easy for us to figure out. That will be done in our sleep, I think."