Markelle Fultz may have played his final game as a member of the 76ers organization. The Fultz story almost seems made up at this point. The first overall pick with the yips? Now that Fultz is sitting out again with “Shoulder” issues, Philadelphia seems to finally be sick of his shit. The beginning of the end is near.
Philadelphia Inquirer’s Keith Pompey was the first to report the news:
“Some sources have said that, despite the team’s statements, Fultz is no longer in the Sixers’ long-term plans. And they are no longer using his shoulder as an excuse for his performances.”
The trajectory of the 76ers outlook moving forward would look wildly different if they never made the trade to move up and select Fultz. The gap between Jayson Tatum and Fultz is remarkable. Tatum is on the way to becoming an All-Star caliber player averaging 16 points per game in year two and Fultz can’t even find a way to be productive. The greatest what if in the NBA is wondering where the 76ers would sit with Tatum. Especially now that they traded for Jimmy Butler.
Now it seems that Philly wants to get something for their mistake. Pompey didn’t give a great explanation to what the 76ers could be targeting in a trade.
“If the 76ers have tired of this saga and are considering trading Fultz, and multiple sources said they are, his trade value must have declined a great deal since the start of the season.
“The team might be able to get a late first-round pick for Fultz from a desperate club willing to take a chance, or the Sixers could try for a player with an expiriing contract. That would enable them to avoid paying the $9.7 million that Fultz is guaranteed for next season.”
Lesson learned. Never trade with Danny Ainge – volume 76930.
