Raptors shooting guard DeMar DeRozan is speculated to be on the trading block this season as Toronto is reportedly "going after" Kevin Durant in next summer's free agency.

Bleacher Report's Dan Favale also noted that DeRozan's value on the court for the Raptors is not that high anymore considering that the team already has the more efficient DeMarre Carroll and Terrence Ross playing in the wings with point guard Kyle Lowry still the undisputed team leader of Dwane Casey's squad.

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DeRozan's volume shooting and low field goal and three-point percentages were said to be what turns off team officials in investing their future in him.

Last season, the 26-year-old All-Star shot 41.3 percent from the field and 28.4 percent from rainbow territory, stats that are considered mediocre at best for a two guard in this day and age of NBA basketball.

With teams relying on small ball lineups, efficient outside shooting is steadily becoming essential for every successful ball club.

In 18 games so far this season, the 2009 ninth overall pick has a 42.1 field goal percentage and a low 22.2 three-point percentage, not a good sign that Toronto is going to keep him for the long term.

Add to that the Toronto Sun reported $25.3 million annual pay that DeRozan is set to ask in his contract extension negotiations next season, and it is becoming clear that the Raptors will no longer afford him especially if they want to join the Durant sweepstakes next summer.

Raptors GM Masai Ujiri may see that amount of money no longer reasonable to what the team is benefiting from the former USC Trojans standout.

Meanwhile, Ross' improved play also demands more playing time than the measly 16.4 mpg he is getting so far this season as DeRozan's primary backup, which makes the latter an expensive and inefficient starter that could eventually lead to him getting traded before the February deadline.

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