DeMar DeRozan opts out of contract, becomes free agent: report

Toronto Raptors star shooting guard DeMar DeRozanhas reportedly opted out of his contract, officially making him an unrestricted free agent.

League sources toldCleveland.com's Chris HaynesMonday that the 26-year-old DeRozan chose to declinea$9.5 million US player optionfor the 2016-17 season.

It was widely expected that the two-timeall-star would opt out prior to his June 15 deadlineto pursuea more lucrative deal.

DeRozansaid at the end of the season that he isstill committed to Toronto, the franchise that drafted him ninth overall in 2009.

"My mindset has always been Toronto," DeRozan said.

"I was passionate about it when we was losing. When we was terrible, I said I'm going to stick through this whole thing and I want to be that guy who brings this organization to where it is now. I definitely don't want to switch up after we win."

DeRozanled the Raptors in scoring this season en route to the franchise'sfirst-ever Eastern Conference Final appearanceand could cash in nearly double hisoption on the open market.

The Compton, Calif. native averaged a career-best23.5 points in 78regular season appearances this year but his production dropped to an average of20.9 points in his 20 playoff games this spring.

DeRozan also denied the rumours that have swirled aboutpossibly returning home to join the Los Angeles Lakers.

"I grew up in L.A. That's my home...I let whoever comes up with that say what they want to say," DeRozan said. "Only thing appealing to me is the things I've done in this organization and the things that can be done here. And that's always been my mindset since I've been here."