Sources: Sixers not Ready to Move on from Fultz

Sixers fans haven't heard much from, or about guard Markelle Fultz, in recent weeks. However, don't expect the second-year guard to be moved at Thursday's NBA trade deadline.

According to Sporting News NBA writer Sean Deveney, the Sixers, "are not ready to move on from Fultz," citing sources.

The Sixers, according to sources around the league, are not ready to move on from Fultz, given the investment the franchise made into him, the utter cratering of his trade value and the fact that he’s only 20 years old and still has a chance to be productive.

The team still sees a 20-year old player with a lot of talent, but low trade value at the current moment. They are holding out hope that Fultz can still be a productive player and help the team out.

However, that could change this summer according to Deveney.

That could change this summer, when the Sixers’ future outlook will firm up once Jimmy Butler hits free agency and Ben Simmons is eligible for a contract extension. Both could wind up with max deals, which would make Fultz a trade chip that could be used to fill out the roster with role players.

The former No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 drat, Futz has appeared in just 19 games this season, averaging 8.2 points on 41.9 percent shooting and 28.6 percent 3-point shooting. He’s played in a game since Nov. 19 dealing with thoracic outlet syndrome.

No timetable has been given on when he might return, but Sixers coach Brett Brown made it sound like Fultz will be returning at some point.