We Have New Teams That May Be Interested In Markelle Fultz

(Liberty Ballers) - According to sources who spoke with Liberty Ballers Wednesday, the Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic have recently demonstrated interest in trading for Markelle Fultz.

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. An increased willingness for risk in Detroit can be partially interpreted as a testament of faith in incumbent Coach of the Year, Dwane Casey, who Detroit has confidence in, and disappointment (among some in the organization) in their current rotation of guards.

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.

As for Orlando, it is no secret they too want to improve their guard spot. With a renewed emphasis on player development (having recently given up too soon on former lottery pick Victor Oladipo), they’re confident they now have a group, run by coach Steve Clifford, where high-upside, athletic, and defensively capable players can reach their full potential. This environment makes the former first overall pick appealing to them.

Now that we know what is officially wrong with Markelle Fultz, teams can have a better understanding of what they would potentially be trading for. In my opinion some busted nerve damage is much better than a broken brain, and for a while it was the Suns that a lot of people talked about as a potential landing spot for Fultz given their need at point guard. Well then it came out that they have no interest whatsoever in Fultz and his issues, which crosses them off the list

For those who are not in the Phoenix area, this is a long time radio guy who is pretty connected with the Suns, so take that for what it’s worth. So with them out of the picture, where could Fultz go? This new report of either the Pistons or the Magic does make some sense. Let’s start with DET

As of now, they do have a collection of contracts that could make this work. Remember Fultz makes like $8.3M and you have to get to within 15% of that number of you’re going to deal for him. What if they offer Ish Smith ($6M) and like Zaza Pachulia ($1.5M)? That brings the Sixers a backup guard that they could actually use, and then additional front court help in Pachulia which even though he kinda stinks, can eat up some minutes for you. If you’re PHI, how much better do you think you can get for Fultz with this market?

Now let’s compare that to the Magic’s situation. Their collection of contracts are a little harder to move, unless PHI agrees to take DJ Augustine. They do have Jonathan Simmons and his $6M, but he’s more of a wing and I’m not sure the Sixers need more wings at the moment. This is why for me if the Magic are going to be involved, there has to be another team and it be a larger deal. The majority of their players either make too much money or are on rookie deals. If ORL is still trying to make the playoffs, they probably aren’t going to want to part with someone like Terrance Ross ($10M), and they certainly aren’t going to waste Vucevic’s value just to bring in Fultz, so unless it could be like Simmons and some of their minimum contracts I don’t see how they are able to do it.

The truth is, the longer they hold onto Fultz the lower his price is going to be, so it’s in the Sixers best interest to just bite the bullet and take the best offer they can get as quickly as possible. I’d be shocked if they got a 1st round pick of value or anything like that, which is why I think this potential deal with the Pistons makes the most sense right now. I’m sure there are things being discussed that we don’t even know about, a lot of people like to throw PHI into that three team trade idea that helps bring Ariza to the Lakers, but that can’t happen if the Suns truly are out on Fultz.

Either way I think we can all agree that a fresh start is probably best for everyone involved, and with the December 15th deadline being tomorrow where recently signed players can officially be moved, I bet we won’t have to wait long for Woj to release his next bomb. So, Sixers fans, if you had to choose between these two teams, which way are you leaning?