MARKELLE FULTZ MOVES ON FROM PHILADELPHIA
The Orlando Magic acquired guard Markelle Fultz from the Philadelphia 76ers for guard/forward Jonathon Simmons, a protected first-round draft pick in 2019 and a second-round draft pick in 2019.
What does it give the Orlando Magic
This trade is ALL about the future, since Fultz has missed most of 2018-19 due to injury. If healthy, he will finally give Orlando an impact point guard and a building block to work with forwards Aaron Gordon and Jonathan Isaac, plus centers Nikola Vucevic and Mo Bamba. There is great risk here for the Magic, since Fultz could be damaged goods at this point. That said, if he makes a complete recovery Orlando may be in business.
What does it give the Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia is a true contender right now, so they did not have the time or patience to wait things out with Fultz (the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft). Simmons will help them in the depth department and also defensively, but he will not make an offensive impact. The two picks are obviously the keys to the deal from a Sixers perspective, and the true impact of this trade will not be felt for a few years (at least). Will Philly regret trading Fultz?
Fantasy impact
Fultz is a keeper or dynasty type at this point, but in year-to-year leagues he may not help anyone's fantasy roster until 2019-20. Simmons has limited value, as well. The Magic's current point guards (D.J. Augustin, Isaiah Briscoe and Jerian Grant) are now living on borrowed fantasy time and will eventually be the biggest losers after this deal.
Player focus
Philadelphia 76ers
a second-round draft pick in 2019
a protected first-round pick in the 2019 draft