2. Markelle Fultz
Another point guard - and the most unrealistic option on the list - but the Suns have to take a look at Markelle Fultz. Currently with the Orlando Magic and an unrestricted free agent this summer, it feels like his current employers have outgrown him, and are moving in a different direction.
In fact the Magic could win a playoff series as soon as this season, and they could manage it with Fultz having a small role on the team. They could bring him back once again - and they do have his Bird Rights - but the emergence of Jalen Suggs has made Fultz expendable. They also have Cole Anthony and drafted Anthony Black last summer, so the need for Fultz is not there.
Markelle Fultz with the great block on Andrew Wiggins pic.twitter.com/tKyrlmoEC6
— Magic Film Room (@MagicFilmRoom) March 27, 2024
Make no mistake - if any other interested party offered Fultz a contract beyond the midlevel - then the Suns would be out of the equation. This is very likely to happen, and yet the career of Fultz has been a curious one. He's never truly rediscovered his shooting form after losing it prior to landing in Florida, although he is an above average defender and excellent driver with the ball in hand.
The pairing wouldn't even be perfect in The Valley either, but the Suns can't be picky given their own cap sheet situation. If Fultz wanted to try and compete for a championship - rather than get paid more to join another rebuilding project - then the Suns should pick up the phone. His market value remaining an unknown could also force Suns into a conversation they have no business in as well.