Second-year combo guard Markelle Fultz is reportedly no longer in the Philadelphia 76ers' long-term plans, according to Sixers insider Jon Johnson.
Markelle Fultz is still rehabbing from Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and hasn’t played since November. The expectation is that the 2017 No. 1 overall pick will be traded by Thursday's trade deadline.
The Atlanta Hawks have been rumored to be interested in Fultz. Hawks head coach Lloyd Pierce was an assistant with the Sixers last season.
Relationship between Brett Brown & Lloyd Pierce could play heavily as it pertains to Markelle Fultz.
Sixers need as much cap space as possible, & Fultz is now completely out of their plans.— Jon Johnson (@jonjohnsonwip) February 6, 2019
The Sixers acquired small forward Tobias Harris from the LA Clippers on Tuesday in a blockbuster deal. Philly now boasts a lethal Big Four of Joel Embiid, Jimmy Butler, Ben Simmons, and Harris.
Fultz is no ordinary former top pick. His first two seasons in the NBA have been a nightmare and it appears the Sixers are ready to move on from him, thus why they made the trade for Harris.
Before he was shut down by his attorney and agent, Raymond Brothers, Fultz was averaging 8.2 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game for Philadelphia while shooting 41.9 percent from the field, 28.6 percent from beyond the arc and 56.8 percent from the free-throw line.
At this point, a fresh start for Fultz is the best thing for him.