The Sixers seem to have an unlimited supply of options as they enter the offseason. They can trade for a star, sign some big name free agents or keep all of their assets and continue to build their collection of picks and young players. However, it seems likely that this is the year the 76ers cash in some of their chips and try to trade for a superstar. Luckily for the Sixers, there are many on the trade block. One star that the Sixers should take a serious look at is Toronto Raptors shooting guard, DeMar DeRozan.
Masai Ujiri is reportedly looking to shake things up this summer after losing in the playoffs to LeBron James for the third season in a row. It makes sense for the Raptors to make some changes. Anyone that wears a Raptors uniform could potentially be moved and that includes DeRozan.
Dwane Casey, former head coach of the Raptors, completely reinvented their offense this season so that it would include less isolation plays and more ball movement and 3 point opportunities. DeRozan benefited largely from it. He finished the season averaging 23 points, 3.9 rebounds and a career high 5.2 assists. He shot 45% from the field and 31% from deep, the second best mark of his career, as well as connecting on 1.1 3 pointers per game on 3.6 attempts, the most of his career.
DeRozan is a 4x All Star and a proven scorer in the league. He is big and strong enough to play and defend multiple positions. DeRozan could help carry the scoring load for the Sixers as well as give them a second go-to option. As an athletic wing who can score from all over the floor , he would fit perfectly in Brett Brown’s system.
The Sixers have the pieces to make it happen. They have a ton of young players like Markelle Fultz, Dario Saric, Richaun Holmes and multiple 1st and 2nd round picks for the next few years. This year they will have the 10th and 26th pick in the first round and 4 picks in the second. These are all pieces that could attract the Raptors front office and bait them into trading one of their All Stars.
Say that the 76ers sign LeBron James, who is often attached to them when talking about the future home of The King. DeMar DeRozan and LeBron James should be able to play well off of each other. The same way DeRozan could relieve some scoring pressure from Joel Embiid, he can do the same for LeBron if he were to join the 76ers.
Imagine a starting lineup that includes Ben Simmons, DeMar DeRozan, LeBron James and Joel Embiid. That’s a lineup that has to be picked as favorites to come out of the East. The Sixers will keep their options open but they should consider contacting the Raptors and seeing if they can bring DeMar DeRozan down to the City of Brotherly Love.
. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
