Section 215
Fansided

The Philadelphia 76ers should trade Markelle Fultz for D’Angelo Russell

By Matty Breisch

(Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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With the Philadelphia 76ers firmly in win-now mode, it may be wise to cash in on Markelle Fultz’s potential for an immediate contributor like D’Angelo Russell.

In case you haven’t heard, the Philadelphia 76ers have reached the point of no return with Markelle Fultz.

Sure, technically he’s still on the team, but by trading Dario Saric and Robert Covington to Minnesota Timberwolves for Jimmy Butler, one thing is abundantly clear: Fultz is not long for the City of Brotherly Love.

Need proof? Look no further than Butler’s first start in red white and blue. After starting the first 15 games of the season, Fultz was relegated to clean up duty as a reserve for the first time since April, with J.J. Redick and recently cleared forward Wilson Chandler filling out Brett Brown‘s starting five.

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Now granted, did Fultz deserve to start off the season as a starter? No.

And honestly, did he make the most of his time in the starting five? Once again, no, as he was thoroughly outplayed by Reddick and even rookie shooter Landry Shamet in every single game, but by opting to elevate Chandler, a player who had only appeared in three games prior, into the starting five, the team effectively laid their cards on the table.

The Philadelphia 76ers are in win-now mode, and Fultz just isn’t helping the team win.

While it’s never fun for anyone to admit that they are wrong, especially when said mistake cost you Jayson Tatum and a future first-round pick, at this point, that cost is sunk. For every game Fultz is on the roster, Philly’s essentially seceding quality minutes to a deeply flawed player who could seriously use a change of scenery.

But, you may be asking, who would want to trade for Fultz now? With a downright ugly shot and an infuriatingly nonchalant approach to the game of basketball, would anyone be willing to give up something of value to the Sixers that could help them win now, and fortify their standings in the Eastern Conference for years to come?

After scouring through potential scenarios and trade options, there’s only one that truly makes sense for all parties involved: shipping Markelle Fultz to the Brooklyn Nets for D’Angelo Russell.