After spending the last five years of his career with the Orlando Magic, guard Markelle Fultz is currently a free agent. And according to recent reports, it seems unlikely he will return to the franchise this summer. Per HoopsWire’s Sam Amico, it is “doubtful” that the Magic will bring Fultz back as a free agent. Amico also mentions that a reunion is especially unlikely with the team adding Kentavious Caldwell-Pope earlier this offseason.
“Free agent guard Markelle Fultz remains unsigned and it seems doubtful that Orlando brings him back. That’s especially the case after the team landed former Nuggets guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.”
Fultz began his career with the Philadelphia 76ers after the team drafted him with the No. 1 pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. However, after a disappointing two-season stint with the 76ers, the team traded Fultz to Orlando in February 2019. In his five seasons with the Magic, Fultz appeared in 201 games. During that time, the Washington alum averaged 11.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game.
The 2022-23 season was Fultz’s best as an NBA pro. During this season, Fultz averaged 14 points, 3.9 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. Additionally, he shot 51.4% from the field and 31% from beyond the arc. All these numbers were career highs for Fultz. However, last season was a disappointment for the Maryland native, as he averaged 7.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game.
Former No. 1 Pick Leaving the Orlando Magic?
What Does Markelle Fultz Bring to the Table?
Fultz has not lived up to his draft stock and likely never will. Still, he has shown throughout his Magic tenure that he can contribute to any team in the league. Fultz is a very athletic guard who can impact the game on both sides of the court. He may never become a consistently great three-point shooter, but he can still provide enough scoring to negate this. It is currently unknown what teams may have interest in signing the 26-year-old. However, any team looking for guard depth should look Fultz’s way this summer.
Markelle Fultz is Not the Only Orlando Player On the Move?
Earlier in July, Sean Deveney of Heavy Sports linked Magic big man Wendell Carter Jr. to the Los Angeles Lakers. By acquiring Carter, the Lakers would add another center on the roster to allow Anthony Davis to move back into the power forward spot. In his recent report, Amico acknowledged what Deveney said. However, according to Amico, it is “not known if Los Angeles” will still pursue Carter.
“Meanwhile, the Lakers were one team that supposedly had an interest recently in trading for Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. It’s not known if Los Angeles is still aiming for such a deal.”
Carter is coming off his worst full season in a Magic uniform. Last season, the Duke alum averaged 11 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. All these numbers are his lowest in his three full seasons with the team. However, he shot 37.4% from beyond the arc, which is a career-high for the six-year veteran.
