Five Early Free Agent Targets Bryan Colangelo Will Covet

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Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

Bryan Colangelo drafted Demar DeRozan out of USC back in 2009 with the 9th overall pick with the purpose of making DeRozan his premier backcourt player of the future, and although Colangelo is long gone from Toronto, his vision still became a reality.

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Don’t let his early playoff struggles fool you. Demar DeRozan has put up career numbers this season (23.3 points per game, 4.4 rebounds per game, 4 assists per game) and finds himself firmly planted at #8 in the league leaders for scoring. That puts him above names like Russell Westbrook, Paul George, and Carmelo Anthony.

His 3-point shot is still questionable (just 34 percent on the season) but that’s actually a career high for him, and he makes up for it with a myriad of other scoring abilities. He’s quick, athletic, and has great footwork that allows him to create his own shot. DeRozan can get to the rim and finish at a high clip, he can stop on a dime from mid range to sink shots, and he’s extremely proficient at getting to the free throw line. This versatility on offense is why he’s been a top 5 player in the East, and will be a surefire target for Philadelphia.

DeRozan will be aiming for a max contract this offseason, and considering the Raptors are already paying $12 Million+ to three different players, (Kyle Lowry, Jonas Valanciunas, and Demarre Carrol) Toronto may be a bit frugal. Next year is his final season on a 4-year $40 million dollar contract, but it’s a player option that won’t be picked up because DeRozan can demand more than that now.

This opens the door for the 76ers to pull out the red carpet for DeRozan, and convince him to come to Philly. Whether you can consider him a “max-deal player” is up to interpretation, but next to Lebron James, or Kevin Durant having an epiphany about playing in the Wells Fargo Center, DeRozan is by far and away the Sixers best shot at a star signing.

DeMar has had nothing but positive things to say about new GM Bryan Colangelo in the past, and even went as far as saying “He’s one of the most stand-up guys I’ve known.”-per Nets Daily

Players remember the people that drafted them, and gave them a chance to pursue their dreams. Hopefully that, along with a hefty payday will be enough to bring DeRozan to Philadelphia.

Next: #2 Mike Conley