Report: Markelle Fultz is ‘doubtful’ to return to Orlando

Markelle Fultz is an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his NBA career. The former first overall pick is not expected to return to the Orlando Magic. Sam Amico of Hoops Wire reported:

Free agent guard Markelle Fultz remains unsigned and it seems doubtful that Orlando brings him back. That’s especially the case after the team landed former Nuggets guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. [h/t Hoops Wire]

Fultz has spent the past five seasons with the Magic after the franchise acquired him in 2019. While he began the 2023-24 season as a starter, he was unable to regain the role after an early season injury. He had his lowest scoring output since his rookie season with the Philadelphia 76ers, where he played just 14 games.

The seventh-year veteran averaged 7.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.3 blocks per game while shooting 47.2% from the field, 22.2% from three-point range and 69.7% from the free-throw line. His free agent market remains unclear after earning $17 million in 2023-24.

Markelle Fultz may not be the only player to leave the Orlando Magic this summer

Apr 12, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. (34) dunks the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

While Markelle Fultz appears unlikely to return to the Orlando Magic, he may not be the only former starter on their way out. Sean Deveney of Heavy Sports reported that the Los Angeles Lakers are interested in Wendell Carter Jr., writing:

One guy of interest, though, who could help the Lakers check a few boxes remains a possible trade target: Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. And one executive said he’s still the kind of player the Lakers should be looking for.

“Fairly young, probably a little undervalued because of his red flags (injuries) and still tapping into his skillset,” the exec told Heavy Sports. “The contract is right, it makes sense for them. That’s a guy they’re monitoring, but a lot of teams are.” [h/t Heavy Sports]

Carter Jr. averaged 11.0 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 1.7 apg, 0.6 spg and 0.5 bpg last season. He shot 52.5% from the field, 37.4% from three-point range and 69.4% from the free-throw line. The veteran big man is owed $22.8 million over the next two seasons.

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