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Could DeMar DeR...

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THE JAWN STORE

Swartz predicts DeRozan signing a three-year deal worth $100 million, with the third year being a team option. While having the team option on the back-end of the deal would be a team-friendly development, DeRozan's shaky offensive fit in Philadelphia -- particularly alongside Embiid, who often occupies similar areas on the floor -- make me skeptical that Morey and co. would be willing to spend this much money on an aging player with limited ability from beyond the arc.

In a story predicting the landing spots for each major projected free agent this summer, Greg Swartz of The Bleacher Report has the Sixers striking out on both Paul George and LeBron James. While many have reported that, in that case, the Sixers would take a similar approach to last summer -- accumulating role players on one-year deals in hopes of eventually adding a clear-cut star player with a clean fit in due time -- Swartz predicts that they will go after DeMar DeRozan of the Chicago Bulls, set to become an unrestricted free agent before his age-35 season:

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"If the Philadelphia 76ers strike out on signing LeBron James and Paul George this summer and can't work out a trade for Jimmy Butler or Brandon Ingram with no players to send back in return, both the Sixers and DeRozan should have mutual interest.Signing the six-time All-Star as a third offensive option next to Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey could still leave Philly with $20 million in cap space, enough to pursue another starter or try to re-sign players such as De'Anthony Melton, Kelly Oubre Jr. and Kyle Lowry.DeRozan averaged 24.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.1 steals and shot 48.0 percent overall this past season. His durability (74 games or more in all three years with the Bulls) is important for the Sixers given Embiid's injury history. This may not be the first choice for either side, yet the Sixers can still get an All-Star-caliber wing and DeRozan can get one last big payday by joining forces this summer."