The Whiteboard: A playoff team should trade for Markelle Fultz

Markelle Fultz’ career has started off horribly but there’s still time for him to turn it around. That makes him an interesting trade piece.

The Philadelphia 76ers and Markelle Fultz seem destined for a break-up. With all of the drama that’s surrounded Fultz’ time in Philly, it makes sense for both sides to want the young point guard to receive a change of scenery.

Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer reported over the weekend that the Sixers’ ownership group is split on what to do with Fultz, and if there were to be a trade Philadelphia would want a good first round pick to give up on Fultz. Pompey also noted that league sources expect the Sixers to settle for a lesser return by the trade deadline in early February.

If Philly’s asking price drops all the way to a late first round draft pick, a contending team might be making a savvy move by taking a chance on Markelle Fultz. Good teams turn to great teams when circumstances align in their favor and they’re able to take advantage.

Steph Curry signing a very team-friendly contract with the Golden State Warriors right before becoming the best player on a modern dynasty is one recent example of the idea, and it led directly to Golden State being able to afford Kevin Durant.

A team like the Warriors, or Toronto Raptors, Milwaukee Bucks, et cetera, could make themselves some luck by taking advantage of this tough situation in Philadelphia. Teams picking at 30 or in the late 20s usually can only hope for a role player or a player with potential but some severe limiting factor causing them to drop. Trading for Fultz is essentially doing the second thing, but with a much higher potential reward.

Even if the chance of getting the player Fultz seemed poised to be when he was a draft prospect is minuscule, it’s worth rolling the dice. Late first round picks come and go. A chance for a powerhouse team to add a player with the upside of a first overall pick is rare, and it could end up shifting the balance of power in the entire NBA.

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