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Philadelphia 76ers: 3 exciting Markelle Fultz trade destinations

BySimon Smith|
PHILADELPHIA,PA - MARCH 28 : Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on prior to the game against the New York Knicks at Wells Fargo Center on March 28, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA,PA - MARCH 28 : Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on prior to the game against the New York Knicks at Wells Fargo Center on March 28, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
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(Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

Following a much publicized rookie season, here are three trade destinations the Philadelphia 76ers should consider for Markelle Fultz.

By now, everyone should be well aware of the drama-filled rookie year of Markelle Fultz.

Selected No. 1 overall by the Philadelphia 76ers, Fultz’s season was derailed before it even commenced, with Derek Bodner of The Athletic detailing the following in a report this past February:

"“Markelle​ Fultz and​ his longtime trainer,​ confidant​ and​ family friend,​ Keith​ Williams, made significant​ alterations​ to his​ shooting​​ form in the months leading up to the start of the Sixers’ season, according to multiple sources who spoke to The Athletic on the condition of anonymity.”"

As a result, Fultz sustained what the Sixers later termed “scapular instability” in his right shoulder, ruling him out indefinitely after appearing in the first four games of the season. As a result of this extended absence, Fultz wound up playing just 14 regular season, only appearing briefly during the Sixers’ postseason run.

Despite his lengthy absence, Fultz still managed to show flashes of his considerable potential, averaging 7.1 points, 3.8 assists and 3.1 rebounds during his 18.1 minutes per game.

While the injury to his shooting shoulder seems to have subsided, the effectiveness of his jump shot is still clearly a work in progress. On the season, Fultz converted at a 26.3 percent clip on shots taken outside of five feet from the rim, and attempted just one 3-pointer in his 14 appearances.

Having traded up in the 2017 NBA Draft in order to land Fultz, the Sixers now face a significant dilemma. While Fultz only recently turned 20, the emergence of rookie point guard Ben Simmons, after missing his entire rookie campaign due to injury, makes it hard to envision a future in which Fultz and Simmons will be able to share the backcourt together. With Simmons’ outside shot also a significant hinderance, a decision needs to be made sooner rather than later in order to realize the ultimate potential of each player.

With this in mind, here are three potential trade destinations the Sixers should consider for Fultz this offseason.