The Markelle Fultz saga looks far from over. Now, the former 1st overall pick has reportedly let the Sixers know about his desire to start fresh in a new team, even though his trade value may be at an all-time low right now.
On one hand, the Sixers aren’t going to get nearly half the value a 1st overall pick deserves now, on the other, they just can’t keep ignoring the Fultz situation and need to address it as soon as possible.
So, assuming they grant his wish to be traded, which team would be willing to risk the most to get him? Where could he actually fit? Let’s take a look at the top 5 destinations for Markelle Fultz right now.
5. San Antonio Spurs
Gregg Popovich likes to develop young talents, and even when DeJounte Murray comes back, they’re going to be short-handed in point guards and in guys that can actually create their own shot and shoot from beyond the arc.
The Spurs are always the right place to be for most misfits and he’s got the upside to become a franchise player. In order to get him, they would have to trade away free-agent to be Dante Cunningham, Bryn Forbes, and a 2nd Round Pick.
4. Washington Wizards
Things aren’t going well in the capital and the Washington Wizards are just ready to call it quits and start over, declaring all of their players as available via trade. Sadly, they would need to move either Wall, Beal or both before trading for Fultz.
Moreover, Fultz wouldn’t be pressured to win right away on a rebuilding team and would have enough time to get back to full strength. To get him, the Sixers would receive Markieff Morris, a tough forward to add some much needed depth at the 4, and a 2nd Round Pick.
3. Memphis Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies have gotten off to a very impressive start of the season and are even currently among the top 8 teams in the Western Conference, but that’s not likely to happen throughout the entire season.
Memphis landed a great player in Jaren Jackson Jr and adding Fultz to the mix for their rebuilding process would be the icing on top of the cake. To get him, they’d trade away a couple of 2nd rounders and Garrett Temple, the kind of shooter Philadelphia desperately needs.
2. Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic has been looking for a starting point guard for years now, and after giving up on Elfrid Payton, DJ Augustin doesn’t look like the right move for a team whose roster is filled with young talents.
So, the Magic would be a perfect place for the combo guard, as they’re in no rush to contend and would create a deadly young core with Fultz, Gordon, Isaac, and Bamba. To get him, they’d have to send the Sixers DJ Augustin, Jarell Martin, and a 2nd Round Pick.
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1. Phoenix Suns
And finally, the Phoenix Suns would be the perfect place for Markelle Fultz, as they also crave a starting point guard, have no rush to compete, and have more young studs that could help him carry the load and ease his transition to the NBA.
The Suns have been piling up prospects for some years now and a young core of Fultz, Booker, Ayton, Warren, and Jackson would be deadly in years to come. To get him, they’d have to part ways with Dragan Bender and Elie Okobo, as well as some 2nd rounders.