Report: Magic Exploring Markelle Fultz Trade Market

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Orlando Magic are exploring the trade market for Markelle Fultz.

Fultz and Wendell Carter Jr. could be traded by the Magic before the February 8 trade deadline.

“Along with Wendell Carter Jr., whose availability was disclosed here last week, Orlando is said to be exploring the trade market for guard Markelle Fultz, who is playing on a $17 million expiring contract,” Stein wrote.

Fultz has appeared in only eight games this season due to injuries. He’s averaging 8.0 points, 3.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.4 blocks while shooting 44.8% from the field and 40.0% from the free-throw line. Fultz is 0-of-3 from beyond the arc.

The Magic signed Fultz to a three-year, $50 million rookie contract extension in December 2020. Fultz is making $17 million this season. He becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer.

Orlando is 21-18. They are in eighth place in the Eastern Conference standings. The Magic are looking to make the playoffs for the first time since 2020. Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and Cole Anthony are the team’s three leading scorers.

Fultz has career averages of 11.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.2 steals and 0.3 blocks with the Philadelphia 76ers and Magic. He was the first overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft out of Washington. The Sixers traded Fultz to the Magic in February 2019.

At this time, it’s unknown if there are any teams interested in acquiring Fultz, who turns 26 in May.