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Markelle Fultz of the Philadelphia 76ers is having one of the most bizarre seasons in the history of the NBA. The former first overall pick missed the majority of his rookie year with a shoulder problem and he entered the season as the starter.
In 19 games this season, he is averaging 8.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. It’s a good stat line but not for a former first overall selection who was touted as one of the next great superstars of the league.
The problem with Fultz has been his shooting form and it has been quite a laughing stock this season. His camp attributes his difficulties to shoulder and wrist injuries while others believe that it is a case of the yips and it is mental.
The Athletic first reported that Fultz wants a fresh start with a new team and the Sixers no longer consider him as part of their future after the acquisition of Jimmy Butler.
The Sixers may not want Fultz on their team anymore but there are teams that need to trade for him as soon as possible. Here are the five teams that should try to acquire the 20-year-old point guard.
5. Miami Heat
The Heat are having a tough season as they are currently struggling with injuries to important players such as Goran Dragic, James Johnson, and Tyler Johnson. They could tank and get a top player in next year’s draft since they have their first-round pick. After striking out on the Jimmy Butler sweepstakes, the Heat should turn their attention to Markelle Fultz.
Miami can trade Goran Dragic and their 2022 second round pick for Fultz and Wilson Chandler. Dragic, a former All-Star, adds shooting to the Sixers that could solidify their run for a championship.
On the other hand, the Heat gives Fultz a fresh start under the tutelage of Erik Spoelstra and Pat Riley. Fultz could also learn under future Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade, who is in the final season of his career. Chandler will be a free agent this summer so the Heat frees up cap space for a superstar.
4. Orlando Magic
The Magic are playing better than expected and they are in position to make the playoffs. Nikola Vucevic is playing like an All-Star but he’ll be a free agent at the end of the season. Orlando has a nice young core with players such as Aaron Gordon, Jonathan Isaac, and Mo Bamba. However, they still need a point guard and Fultz fits the bill.
Fultz will get his fresh start without high expectations and he could be the franchise point guard of the Magic if he reaches his potential. Head coach Steve Clifford can unleash Fultz’s defensive potential while his offence will come naturally with consistent playing time.
The Magic needs to send someone like Terrence Ross, who is in the final year of his contract, and a future second-round pick to Philly for a trade to likely happen. Ross adds shooting to the Sixers and the second round pick is just to sweeten the deal.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers
The post-LeBron James era in Cleveland is not off to a great start as expected. The Cavaliers are in rebuilding mode and they already have some pieces to work with. Collin Sexton is starting to come into his own while they can trade Kevin Love for assets and draft a player like Zion Williamson or RJ Barrett in the draft.
The Cavaliers could also trade the disgruntled JR Smith to the Philadelphia 76ers for Fultz and Furkan Korkmaz.
Cleveland might not be the best place for someone with confidence issues like Fultz but he’ll be out of the spotlight as he recovers from his injury or yips. Fultz will surely get playing time with the Cavaliers along with Sexton while Korkmaz is a serviceable player that adds youth to the team.
On the other hand, the Sixers get a shooter of Smith’s calibre. It would be a risky move for Philly but Smith can help a team if he’s motivated and surrounded by good players.
2. San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs are in danger of not making the playoffs for the first time in 21 years. Despite that, they are in good position to bounce back next season with the return of DeJounte Murray.
DeMar DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge will still be there, as well as 2018 draft pick Lonnie Walker IV. Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich is known for developing talent and he could help Fultz realise his high upside. The Spurs are looking for a new franchise star after trading Kawhi Leonard in the offseason.
San Antonio could send Marco Belinelli, Dante Cunnigham, and future second-round pick to Philadelphia in exchange for Fultz. It’s not a steep price for the Spurs since they are getting a former first overall selection. The Sixers, on the other hand, gets back Belinelli who was vital in last year’s playoff run. Cunningham and the second round pick were just thrown in to make the deal sweeter.
1. Phoenix Suns
According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, the Suns are among the teams that showed interest on Fultz. The Suns are one of the worst teams in the league but they have a great core of young talent that includes Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton, T.J. Warren, Josh Jackson, and Mikal Bridges. They are still in need of a point guard and Fultz seems to be perfect for them.
The Suns can part ways with former lottery pick Dragan Bender and point guard Elie Okobo. They could also add a couple of second-round picks to please the Sixers.
Bender can fill the hole left by Dario Saric while Okobo is a good role player off the bench. With the Suns, Fultz could restart his career and change the trajectory of his young campaign. He is a player with a lot of potential and he just needs the right environment to fulfill it.
