Philadelphia 76ers point guard Markelle Fultz isn't expected to be with the team past the February 7 trade deadline, according to Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders.
“League sources who have inquired about Fultz said recently they didn’t think Fultz would be on the 76ers roster past the trade deadline. We’ll see if anything changes on that front, but it seems more likely than not that Fultz’s days as a 76er may be coming to an end.”
It has long been expected that Fultz and the Sixers would part ways after a number of reports indicating a schism between the second-year guard, his camp and Philadelphia have circulated in recent weeks. After looking like he was making progress from a scapula injury that forced him out for the most part of the 2017-18 season, Fultz looks like he's regressed as of late.
Though the Sixers guard is now able to make shots from the mid-range and 3-point area with a greater level of efficiency, concern over his health has been growing since he began to show an abnormal hitch in his free-throws. It didn't help that Fultz's former trainer, Drew Hanlen, said in a tweet that the 2017 top pick wasn't healthy.
"An unusual… hitch in the free throw by Markelle Fultz." pic.twitter.com/482uTcrdno
— Rob Tornoe (@RobTornoe) November 13, 2018
According to Kyler, the Cleveland Cavaliers are one of the teams interested in securing Futz's services.
“The Cavs are just one of several teams to have reached out on Fultz, but it does not appear the 76ers are as eager to make a change as maybe Fultz’s camp may want, at least not yet.”
The Cavs are in the business of rebuilding after LeBron James left Cleveland for the Los Angeles Lakers. While Fultz has struggled early in his career, it's a question of health rather than talent for the 20-year-old. Should he ever return near full health, he could be a dynamic piece for any team's backcourt thanks to his athleticism, court vision and — again, if healthy — shooting ability.
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