Could the Sixers Be Destroying Their Chemistry With a Trade of Markelle Fultz?

The agent for Markelle Fultz has denied a report that second-year Philadelphia 76ers guard wants to be traded, a move that would set back the franchise for sure as close as they are to being a force in the NBA’s Eastern Conference.

“I have given no indication to (Sixers general manager) Elton Brand or anyone else that Markelle would prefer to be traded,” agent Raymond Brothers told ESPN. “My focus is to get Markelle healthy. End of story.”

When you looking at the latest NBA odds, which you can try here, the 76ers are still one of the top teams, but trying to deal Fultz and not getting a lot in return might change those odds.

The talk of Fultz being dealt came from The Athletic, which indicated Fultz would prefer a move to a new team. Fultz has struggled with injuries and finding his role since the Sixers drafted him with the first overall pick in 2017.

He is currently nursing a shoulder injury, and according to The Athletic, a wrist issue as well, which could hurt his trade value if the team is truly behind the scenes looking to make a deal for his services.

“The issue has led to periodic difficulties holding on to the ball during his shot,” The Athletic reported about a potential deal for Fultz. “Specialists have been working with Fultz to figure out how they can strengthen the wrist area to remedy the injury.”

Fultz began the season starting alongside Ben Simmons in the Sixers’ backcourt, but was sent to the bench in favor of J.J. Redick following the Jimmy Butler trade. The move was made to give the starting unit more firepower from the perimeter.

Fultz didn’t get off the bench in the second half of his final game before the shoulder ailment — with Sixers coach Brett Brown opting for T.J. McConnell instead.

Fultz is averaging 8.2 points and 3.1 assists this season, but shooting just 42 percent from the field, including 29 percent on 3-pointers. He is also just 21-of-37 on free throws.

This is the type of thing that could kill a team in the middle of the season, but the Sixers have to be smart about a move like this, and if they are going to do something as radical as make a trade with Fultz, they had better get everyone on board about it first.

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