After spending the last five years with the Orlando Magic, guard Markelle Fultz is now a free agent. According to recent reports, it seems unlikely he will return to the Magic this summer. HoopsWire’s Sam Amico reported that it is “doubtful” the Magic will re-sign Fultz, particularly after adding Kentavious Caldwell-Pope earlier in the offseason.
“Free agent guard Markelle Fultz remains unsigned and it seems doubtful that Orlando will bring him back. That’s especially the case after the team landed former Nuggets guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope,” Amico stated.
Fultz started his career with the Philadelphia 76ers, who drafted him as the No. 1 pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. However, after a disappointing two-season stint, the 76ers traded Fultz to Orlando in February 2019. Over five seasons with the Magic, Fultz played in 201 games, averaging 11.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game.
The 2022-23 season was Fultz’s best in the NBA, with averages of 14 points, 3.9 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, shooting 51.4% from the field and 31% from beyond the arc. However, last season was disappointing for Fultz, 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?
Although Fultz has not lived up to his draft expectations, he has demonstrated his ability to contribute to any team in the league. He is an athletic guard who can impact both ends of the court. While his three-point shooting remains inconsistent, his overall scoring ability compensates for this weakness. It remains unclear which teams are interested in signing the 26-year-old, but any team seeking guard depth should consider Fultz 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. Adding Carter would allow the Lakers to move Anthony Davis back to power forward. Amico acknowledged Deveney’s report but noted that 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,” Amico reported.
Carter is coming off his worst full season with the Magic, averaging 11 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, though he shot a career-high 37.4% from beyond the arc.
