The Orlando Magic have acquired shooting guard Markelle Fultz from the Philadelphia 76ers, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. The Magic are sending Jonathon Simmons, an Oklahoma City Thunder first-round pick and a Cleveland Cavaliers second-rounder to the Sixers for Fultz, according to Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer.
Magic president Jeff Weltman and general manager John Hammond consider the Fultz acquisition as a low-risk, high-reward proposition. Orlando views his arrival as a long-term project and like their chances with new head coach Steve Clifford and his staff getting to work with the former No. 1 pick.
This will put Fultz in a low-pressure situation, without the need to live up to the expectation as the top pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, rather working on regaining full strength in his shooting shoulder and working back on his mechanics in hopes to make a successful return.
Orlando is well aware that a comeback situation in the East is highly unlikely, and would rather operate with the promise of a bright future than acquire players in hopes to crack one of the last few seeds in a tight race for the playoffs.
Fultz played in 19 games for the Sixers this season, putting up 8.1 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game after missing most of the 2017-18 season with his shoulder injury.
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