When will the Philadelphia 76ers Markelle Fultz shoulder saga end? Next week? Next month? Possibly never? Nobody knows. Because when everybody assumed that Fultz was in the clear and back to normal before the 2018 season had begun, everyone was shocked to see that Fultz technically wasn't "fixed."
Just last year, the Sixers traded up to acquire the number one pick, with their hearts set on a Washington guard named Markelle Fultz. The 19-year-old prospect was supposed to bring a shooters skillset to the table, to balance out what the Sixers already have. But somehow, Fultz's entire set of skills became screwed up.
At first, it was because of a shoulder injury. Then, the Sixers head coach Brett Brown blamed it on nerves of being pressured in the spotlight. Now, it's back to the fact that Fultz has a mysterious shoulder injury, wrist injury, and apparently craving for a new team to get a fresh start. It is one of the strangest, yet, most intriguing situations on an NBA team in quite some time.
It's like everytime a story comes about Fultz, and why his jump shot doesn't look the same, it immediately gets shot down by either Fultz's team, or the Sixers front office. Then, it's until next time with the issues. What's next for Markelle Fultz and the 76ers? Nobody truly knows. As Fultz stayed in New York on Sunday after the Sixers win in Brooklyn, he intends on seeing another shoulder specialist for a diagnosis as his attorney's ordered.
What's Next for Fultz and the Sixers?
While the Sixers were unaware of any injury concerns regarding Fultz over the last month, they have to play the waiting game once again as Fultz was shut down for the time being. So far, nothing positive has come from this entire situation. There are so many theories about what's going on floating around the internet, and nobody knows what to believe at this point.
However, when word got out about Fultz desiring a new team and a fresh start, other NBA teams have become intrigued. While Fultz's agency denied any trade demands, the rumors of a potential deal will simply not go away. Apparently, teams are calling, and the Sixers are listening. Recently, Sixers reporter Keith Pompey reported that the Sixers no longer have a long-term plan in place that involves Fultz.
Mix that news in with the fact that the Sixers made it clear that they weren't finished with adding pieces to the team after the Butler trade and now we have an interesting situation on our hands. The Sixers need help with shooting off the bench. While Fultz's defense was getting better, his jump shot is broken merely.
For a team that's trying to win now, a project player just simply shouldn't be in the cards. Therefore, there are a few teams that may be willing to take Fultz off the Sixers hands for the right price. It could create a win-win scenario for all three parties, and the Sixers can officially move on from the Markelle Fultz saga. So with that, which three teams have shown a keen interest in Fultz?
Miami Heat
A couple of weeks ago, there were rumors that the Miami Heat had a little bit of interest in the second-year guard. While there's only a handful of teams that are currently interested in acquiring Fultz, not many of them are playoff contenders. A team that is going to trade for Fultz is making a trade for the future, as they expect to develop Fultz into a better player. But they can't expect anything spectacular from him right away as he is still trying to get his shot back.
However, the Heat are in a different situation. Last season, Miami made the playoffs. Granted, they barely made it, but nonetheless, they were in. As they are currently 7-12 on the year, they have some work to do. Would a trade for Fultz immediately make them better? Probably not. But again, it's going to be re-build time down there in South Beach, and Miami could believe that Fultz still has the potential to become a crucial franchise piece.
The Heat need help at the guard position, and Fultz could be the best young talent available for a bargain price. He's only 20-years-old, and it won't require too much to take Fultz off of the Sixers hands. Although the Heat are probably going to be the least aggressive team that will be calling for Fultz since they have seen first-hand just how bad he can be.
That that still doesn't change the fact that they won't inquire about the young guard. For cheap, the Heat could get a potentially solid young guard, and a potential future draft pick in exchange for one of the Heat's veteran guards.
Phoenix Suns
The Sixers know for a fact that the Phoenix Suns are in the market for a young guard. Not too long ago, the Suns front office called the Sixers for guard, T.J. McConnell. As you can imagine, the Sixers wouldn't budge on their inquiry. After all, the Sixers have been very protective of McConnell over the last year or so. And as the Sixers were practically heading into the direction of handing over Fultz's minutes to McConnell anyway, it just makes even more sense for the Sixers to hold onto McConnell, and potentially deal Fultz.
When the initial talks went down, it didn't seem like the Suns have had an interest in Fultz. However, this was before the Sixers were willing to deal Fultz as well. It's a different scenario this time around. The Sixers are a much better team and don't need Fultz as much as the Suns may need him. Phoenix is in a position that doesn't require them to make any win-now moves. They are young, and they are talented, but they don't have much experience.
Fultz isn't going to take their franchise above and beyond, but again, Phoenix is in the market for a player like Fultz. While the Suns won't exactly be thrilled with the idea of trading for Fultz right away, Chris Sheridan suggests that the Suns would be the ideal landing spot for Fultz. These two teams have traded with each other recently, so could they get something going again in the very near future?
Cleveland Cavaliers
Oh, how the mighty have fallen. This isn't surprising. Everybody knew that the Cleveland Cavaliers would fall off tremendously after their star player LeBron James packed up and left off to the Los Angeles Lakers. So, in a matter of two years, the Cavs lost two of their biggest names with LeBron and Kyrie Irving. Not to mention, the only true superstar left from that short era is Kevin Love, who is injured and out until at least 2019.
If you're following along, you will come to the conclusion that the Cavaliers are desperate and in a re-build mode. Are they tanking? It's debatable, but if you ask J.R. Smith, they are trying to lose on purpose. Therefore, Smith won't even play another minute for Cleveland.
With Smith demanding a trade, the Cavaliers front office is busy working the phones and looking for a deal. Recently, it sounds like the Cavs have been in contact with the Sixers. And what do you know? Markelle Fultz is the focal point of a potential trade.
All throughout the offseason, the Sixers have been looking to land off-the-bench shooters onto their squad. They got lucky with the quick development of the rookie Landry Shamet, but they could still use some work in that area. The Sixers became the favorite to sign Carmelo Anthony when that experience in Houston is over, but many forget that the Sixers initially had some interest in Cleveland's Kyle Korver during the offseason.
Could Fultz be the chip that lands Korver back in Philly for a second and final stint? It's quite possible. As the Cavaliers are going to look to get younger, dishing out a 37-year-old three-point shooter could be ideal for the Cavaliers since they would be getting a 20-year-old point guard in return.
As Fultz continues to get his shoulder/wrist checked out, the results that come back will most likely be the final piece of information that leads the Sixers to holding onto him, or trading him. Also, the results could change Fultz's value for better or for worse.
Detroit Pistons
After complications with Fultz' injury news, the trade rumors took a hiatus for the month of December. It wouldn't last long though, as the Detroit Pistons decided to get in on the action a bit. According to SB Nation's 76ers site, Liberty Ballers, the Pistons have emerged as the newest team that has drawn some interest in the Sixers guard. As Detroit has played the Sixers quite a few times this season, they have a bit of knowledge on the second-year guard from the first couple of matchups this year.
With the Pistons being in the market for a new guard, naturally, Fultz's name pops up and instantly becomes connected to Detroit. While the Sixers may not be hesitant to move Fultz to Detroit despite playing them more than a few times, the price may be sort of hefty for Detroit as it seems the Sixers want to make sure they get some great value out of the young guard before giving up on him and moving on.
The recent adductor injury to Pistons reserve guard (and former Sixer) Ish Smith, as well as inconsistent play from Detroit’s lead guard, Reggie Jackson, has the Eastern Conference rival exploring ways to possibly shake up its backcourt while adding a high-upside prospect.
Two of the Pistons’ assistant general managers, Malik Rose, and Sachin Gupta, have ties to Philadelphia. The former was a broadcaster from 2011-2015 for the Sixers, while the latter was the driving force behind many of (former team president) Sam Hinkie’s trades.
Markelle Fultz: Which 4 Teams Are Interested in Trading for the Sixers’ Guard?