NBA 2018-19: 3 trade destinations for Markelle Fultz

Markelle Fultz impressed during his lone season of college basketball for the Washington Huskies, and the young point guard's performances led to the Philadelphia 76ers picking him as the first pick in the 2017 NBA draft. The Sixers' decision to select Fultz with the first pick was widely applauded by many around the NBA, however, Fultz's time in Philadelphia has not worked out as planned.

In his debut season, injuries limited Fultz to just 14 appearances, and the 20-year-old struggled to shoot the ball with any consistency. During the 17/18 season, Fultz shot at a rate of just 40 percent from the field and failed to make a single three-pointer. Fultz's issues have also carried over into the 2018/19 season, as Fultz has made just 19 appearances due to a mixture of poor form and injuries.

Due to Fultz's issues, the Sixers are reportedly keen to trade away their number one pick, although the point guard's value is currently at an all-time low. Nevertheless, a number of teams around the league may be interested in reviving Fultz's career, and here are three of the teams that could make a move for the Sixers man.

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#3 Brooklyn Nets

Coach Brett Brown has shown patience with Fultz struggles

D'Angelo Russell has been excellent for the Nets so far this season, although the 22-year-old's future in Brooklyn still remains in doubt. The Nets have a qualifying option on Russell's contract this summer, although Russell could leave the team as a free agent in 2020.

Rusell has been the Nets best player so far this season, however, the former Lakers' man is likely to attract a lot of interest as he enters the final year of his contract. With Russell's future in doubt, Brooklyn would be wise to consider bringing in another young point guard, as the addition of Fultz would result in the Nets being well equipped in the event of Russell exciting the franchise.

#2 Detroit Pistons

Detroit might give Fultz a much-needed fresh start

The Detroit Pistons are currently facing a major fight to make the 2019 postseason. The Pistons started the season well, although the team has struggled throughout December and January, and they have recently fallen outside the Eastern Conference playoff places.

Nevertheless, the Pistons still have a talented roster that includes both Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond, and with a few improvements to the team, the Pistons should be regular postseason contenders. The team is also reportedly desperate to trade away their starting point-guard in Reggie Jackson, who has a contract worth $18 million for the 2019/20 season.

Jackson is currently averaging 14.1 points, 4.1 assists and 2.8 rebounds per game, which are disappointing stats for one of the highest paid guards in the NBA. Ultimately, Fultz would add youth to the Pistons team, while also providing a cheaper alternative to Jackson.

#1 Orlando Magic

Markelle Fultz playing against the Orlando Magic

The Orlando Magic have not reached the playoffs since the 2011/12 season and during this period, they have only passed 30 wins in a season on one occasion. Nevertheless, the franchise is currently building a young team around the exciting duo of Aaron Gordon and Mo Bamba, and the Magic could end their playoff absence this season.

The Magic's current roster is undoubtedly the strongest that it has been for a number of years, however, the team still needs to address their issues at point guard. D.J. Augustin has started for Orlando this season, although the 31-year-old is better suited to a bench role.

The addition of Fultz would provide the team with a much younger option, who could develop alongside the roster's other young players. Fultz would also benefit from playing in a smaller market, so this trade would suit both the player and team.