Is Markelle Fultz Alive? Well, That Didn’t Last Long…
Well, that was fun while it lasted. After just one article, I officially declare the death of Is Markelle Fultz Alive?
Orlando is trading for Markelle Fultz, league source tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 7, 2019
At 1:42 PM, on February 7th, 2019, Adrian Wojnarowski announced that the Sixers would be trading Markelle Fultz to the Orlando Magic, officially marking the end of the Fultz era in Philadelphia. It’s a dark day in the always sunny city…
The trade shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, seeing as there had been numerous reports leading up to Thursday’s trade deadline stating the Sixers’ intent to move on from the former #1 pick, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t caught off guard. The deadline was so close and the Sixers had already made so many trades, I really thought Fultz would avoid the ax, but alas, we must now say farewell to our favorite son.
In return for Fultz, the Sixers receive Jonathan Simmons, a 2020 top-20 protected OKC first-round pick, and a future second-round pick. In the event the OKC pick doesn’t convey, it turns into two 2021 second-round picks.
As upsetting as it is to say goodbye to the 20-year old Fultz less than two years into his NBA career, it was a necessary move after the Tobias Harris trade. With both Harris and Jimmy Butler expected to receive max contracts this offseason and the Sixers’ hopes of creating a long term Big Four, the team needed to clear Fultz’ contract before this offseason if they wanted to maintain their four all-stars.
Fultz is projected to make $9.75mil next season, followed by $12.3mil the season after that, followed by $16mil after that. That money is too valuable in terms of roster construction to play wait and see with someone who may never be.
If this were a few seasons ago, the Sixers would definitely be able to wait out Fultz’ rehab and see what they actually have in the guy, but this is a team that’s ready to win now. Trading for Harris, Boban Marjanovic, and Mike Scott – all of whom are on expiring contracts – shows that Elton Brand believes the Finals are a legit possibility for this team.
For what it’s worth, the Sixers got a respectable haul for their former first pick. Jonathan Simmons is a little disappointing when you realize Terrance Ross was on the table, but turning Fultz into a first-round pick is a huge win on the Sixers’ part.
Personally, this is a tough pill to swallow. It’s going to hurt seeing Fultz in an Orlando uniform. Honestly, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to fully give up on Fultz as a player, my brain is just too irrational. At the very least, I can take some solace in the fact the Sixers won’t be seeing him in the playoffs anytime soon, thanks Orlando!
I wish you the best of luck in your new home, Markelle. They have Chick-fil-a in Orlando, so you should still have plenty to eat. I’ll miss you and I love you.
This isn’t a goodbye, it’s just until we meet again.
We’ll always have the triple-double.
