Phoenix Suns: Pros and cons of a Markelle Fultz trade
By Roger Acker
The Phoenix Suns are in desperate need of a point guard, and trading for Markelle Fultz could be the perfect solution to that problem.
The centerpiece of arguably the strangest story in the NBA over the past year, Markelle Fultz has gotten off to a less-than-optimal start of his career. As he visits specialists to hopefully get a better idea on the cause of his lost shot, word has gotten out that Fultz may no long be in the Philadelphia Sixers long term plans. That should pique the Phoenix Suns’ interest.
With the Suns current point guard situation likely the worst in the league, they should be exploring every option possible. Fultz obviously has not had much success in the pros, but he was widely regarded as the top prospect entering the draft and showcased insane talent during his freshman season at Washington.
Fultz’s trade value is pretty much unknown at this point, but Ariza and draft picks has been thrown around as a likely package once Ariza becomes tradable on December 15. As no trade is imminent, for now fans should focus more on the benefits and risks of acquiring Fultz instead of hypothetical trade packages.
Other than losing current pieces, the team would be making an investment in Fultz that requires additional attention compared to a normal prospect. He has little more (and in some cases less) experience than some rookies in this year’s draft class.
Fultz has not played the role of a true point guard since Washington, as his injury and the presence of Ben Simmons has prevented Fultz from being utilized in his primary position except for when Simmons sits on the bench. In Phoenix, he would have plenty of minutes available and a strong core of young players to distribute the ball to while he works on improving his shooting.