Another big name is hitting the NBA free agency market this offseason, and the Philadelphia 76ers could have their eyes on him.
Earlier this week, it was revealed that the Sacramento Kings are going to cut ties with the All-Star forward DeMar DeRozan as they navigate through a rebuild.
Several teams, not including the Sixers, have been linked to DeRozan already.
However, the NBA insider Jake Fischer links the veteran forward to a group of teams that are swinging for a LeBron James acquisition. That’s where the Sixers connection comes into play.
Philadelphia 76ers Get DeMar DeRozan Update Amid LeBron James Chase
GettyINGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 30: Demar Derozan #10 of the Sacramento Kings reacts against the Los Angeles Clippers during the first quarter at Intuit Dome on December 30, 2025 in Inglewood, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
While discussing the LeBron James race, along with the DeMar DeRozan market, Fischer noted that the ex-Kings forward’s “most likely landing spots” are teams that don’t land LeBron James.
“I think the Miamis, Cleveland, Golden State, I think those teams are all going to be in the play for him if they don’t get LeBron,” Fischer said on Bleacher Report’s live stream.
While he didn’t mention the Sixers, Philadelphia is very much relevant in the LeBron market and is seemingly top three as of July 9.
The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Miami Heat are in the picture as well.
Should The 76ers Pursue DeMar DeRozan?
GettySACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 24: Demar Derozan #10 of the Sacramento Kings dribbles the ball against the Utah Jazz at Golden 1 Center on October 24, 2025 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
The 36-year-old former ninth-overall pick doesn’t come with the same star power as James, but he’s certainly an accomplished forward in the league.
DeRozan’s resume includes six All-Star nods and three All-NBA nods.
His best days came with the Toronto Raptors throughout the first nine years of his career. DeRozan had a strong run in San Antonio and Chicago, but struggled to make a difference in Sacramento as the top option on the Kings.
GettySACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 07: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Sacramento Kings is guarded by Harrison Barnes #40 of the San Antonio Spurs during the second half at Golden 1 Center on March 07, 2025 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Last season, DeRozan appeared in 77 games. He shot 49.7% from the field and hit on 32.0% of his threes. The veteran forward averaged 18.4 points, 4.1 assists, and 2.9 rebounds per game.
It would be a step down from LeBron for sure. While neither player had a strong year from beyond the arc, James was a better scorer, passer, and rebounder during the 2025-2026 season.
At this time, DeRozan doesn’t have links to the Sixers, but he’ll be a name to keep an eye on as the LeBron situation plays out.