Atlanta Hawks: 5 Reasons to Trade for Markelle Fultz

A detailed dissection of the potential fit of disgruntled 76ers point guard Markelle Fultz on the Atlanta Hawks.

The Atlanta Hawks currently sit at 5-17, which is the worst record in the Eastern Conference technically, though the Cavs have played two fewer games than the Hawks and currently have a 4-16 record.

Both teams are in full-on rebuilding mode, and the Cavs already made a deal this season to ensure the team loses as many games as possible, dealing former Atlanta Hawks legend Kyle Korver to the Utah Jazz for Alec Burks and two second-round picks.

That is exactly the kind of deal that the Hawks should be making right now, sending away useful veteran players like fan favorite Kent Bazemore (here are some options for such a deal) and rangy big man Dewayne Dedmon for future assets or young players with a depressed value league-wide.

When pondering players with depressed value around the league, one name immediately springs: Markelle Fultz of the 76ers. Fultz came in with all the promise in the world, and the early returns in 2017 Summer League were positive:

However, everything has gone downhill for Fultz since being drafted 1st overall, and rumors have been swirling all season that Fultz is not long for Philadelphia. No matter what happens, it seems unlikely that Fultz will ever be able to live up to stupefying hype that was heaped upon him after being drafted 1st overall.

This gives the Atlanta Hawks a piquant opportunity, however. With Fultz’s value at its nadir, why not swing a trade for Fultz in order to fill the team’s roster with more high draft picks and a player that clearly still has upside to explore.

I’ve outlined three major reasons why Markelle Fultz would be a good fit on the Atlanta Hawks. Read on to explore them.