Philadelphia 76ers once again probing the market for Markelle Fultz
The Philadelphia 76ers are gauging the market for the former No. 1 pick.
Markelle Fultz has been off the radar in recent weeks, rehabbing his thoracic outlet syndrome behind closed doors. The former No. 1 pick is with the Philadelphia 76ers full-time now, but there’s still no timeline for his return to action.
In somewhat expected news, the Sixers are once again testing the market for Fultz, according to WIP’s Jon Johnson. With the Feb. 7 deadline next Thursday, Philadelphia will be looking to upgrade the roster ahead of the postseason. Fultz remains their most intriguing asset.
The upside alone will attract some teams. Fultz still has athleticism, playmaking chops and defensive upside that signal an NBA future. Even without a jumper, Fultz became the youngest player in NBA history to record a triple-double last season. The talent hasn’t disappeared.
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With his contract guaranteed through next season, Fultz would require minimal long-term commitment from rebuilding teams. It’s doubtful a competitive team, however, would take on his near-$10 million salary. He hasn’t contributed to winning on a consistent basis yet.
Under the circumstances, there’s a good chance the Sixers don’t get good value in return. Teams aren’t going to risk major assets for Fultz unless other considerable pieces are included in the trade.
Take the recent Hawks rumors for an example. The Sixers shouldn’t trade Fultz for Dewayne Dedmon — an expiring contract who, with Jonah Bolden‘s recent emergence, doesn’t fill a position of need for the Sixers. They shouldn’t sell low for short-term stopgaps.
If Fultz can operate as the centerpiece of Jrue Holiday or Mike Conley trades — helping the Sixers add another star while kickstarting rebuilds in smaller markets — Elton Brand should pull the trigger. It’s an absolute no-brainer, pending whatever else the Sixers give up.
Otherwise, the Sixers need to be wary. The buyout market will likely offer Brand a couple opportunities to upgrade the bench. DeAndre Jordan and Wes Matthews are big names to watch after the Kristaps Porzingis trade.
Unless the Sixers can get a sizable rotation upgrade who a) moves the needle to a significant degree or b) provides value at a reasonable price beyond 2018-19, Fultz needs to stay on the roster. He’s too talented — he works too hard — not to maintain faith.
The lack of precedent for Fultz’s issue will always be worrisome. There’s no reasonable expectation to set prior to his actual return. There’s no way of knowing how successful his recent physical therapy stint will be.
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For the time being, though, the Sixers should hold tightly to Markelle. Don’t trade him unless it’s a clear-cut upgrade in a major area of need.