Toronto Raptors' All-Star shooting guard DeMar DeRozan is reportedly on the trading block after the six-year veteran expressed desire of seeking a maximum contract worth over $25 million annually when he opts out of his contract next year, as per CBS Sports' Matt Moore.

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Moore reported that DeRozan's salary wish is worth much more than what the Raptors are comfortable in giving him even in the short term. And so instead of taking a chance in losing him next July, the team might just play it safe and trade him for assets that are more affordable but still effective in the team's style of play.

DeRozan is definitely playing like a franchise player for Toronto averaging more than 20 points and four rebounds per game in the past two years. The former USC standout is the heart and soul of the team together with point guard Kyle Lowry, which forms one of the deadliest backcourt combos in the league.

In 2014, DeRozan was selected in the All-Star game for the first time in his career as one of the reserves. He scored 8 points and contributed three rebounds and two assists to help the East topple the West, 163-155. He was not selected the following year largely due to an injury he suffered that made him miss 22 games in the regular season.

The 6-foot-7 wingman also won a gold medal that year during the FIBA Basketball World Cup competing for Team USA.

With all his accomplishments in his young career, Fox Sports indicated that he "may not be worth $25.3 million per year even after the salary cap skyrockets the next two seasons."

NBA analysts have suggested trading DeRozan, but his value to other teams may not be that high as compared to the Raptors. For one, he is not an established three-point shooter, or outside shooter for that matter, only converting 27 percent of his long-distance shots in his entire career. His field goal percentage is particularly not impressive as well at 41.3 percent last season.

Meanwhile, Dave Zarum of SportsNet argued that DeRozan is indeed worthy of a max contract. Zarum compared the high-flying guard to players like DeAndre Jordan, Tristan Thompson, Greg Monroe, Wesley Matthews, and Paul Millsap - who are all seeking and are likely to receive max deals this offseason - saying that everyone has "sizeable holes in their games" and yet they are on the verge of earning maximum salaries. 

TagsNBA 2015, NBA news, NBA News 2015, NBA rumors, NBA Rumors 2015, NBA Trade Rumors, NBA trade rumors 2015, DeMar DeRozan, Toronto Raptors