If a card with Deflect is targeted multiple times by the same multi-target card (e.g., a spell that targets several units including this one more than once), does the player have to pay the Deflect cost for each instance of targeting, or only once?

Ruling: You must pay the Deflect cost for each time the unit is chosen/targeted by the multi-target spell or ability, not just once per spell.

Sequence:

• When a spell like Icathian Rain or Starfall targets a unit with Deflect multiple times
• Each individual instance of choosing/targeting triggers Deflect separately
• The Deflect cost must be paid for each occurrence

Nuances:

• The key is that Deflect uses the wording "spells and abilities an opponent controls that choose me" rather than "that have chosen me"
• This non-binary wording allows the choosing to happen multiple times, causing Deflect to be paid multiple times
• For example, Icathian Rain chooses 6 times total, and Starfall chooses 2 times total (once for each instance of damage)