(Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)
I think the title is pretty self-explanatory. It goes against what I would normally think. Normally, I would say the Sixers need to squeeze out as much as they can out of their investment. Let’s be honest, the Sixers invested a lot into Fultz. They took him #1 overall and gave up a potential high pick to trade up and do it. However, at this point I believe Markelle Fultz is a sunk cost. Even if he ever does realize his full potential, it can never be in Philadelphia. The pressure is too great, and he won’t be able to perform to expectations.
Despite having full support from the team and fans, we have still heard rumblings about him wanting a fresh start. I don’t necessarily believe it is all coming from Fultz. I think he has a lot of toxic people in his camp that are giving him bad advice on his career. Everything from his shooting coaches to this latest mess. Whether it is him or his camp, it is clear that there is a disconnect between them and the team. The Sixers are in a bind because they have already picked up his option on him for next season. Next year will also be the last time the Sixers will have cap space for the foreseeable future.
The Sixers don’t need to be wasting nearly 10 million in cap space next year on someone they don’t know, or think is going to pan out. They need that extra 10 million to throw at a top free agent and try to make a big four with Embiid, Simmons and Butler. Despite what many people think, the window to win is now. As much as I love Embiid, there is a good chance that due to his size his body starts to break down as he gets closer to 30. The Sixers must capitalize on his prime now. Without Fultz’s contract on the books, the Sixers would be able to add a max free agent as long as Jimmy Butler takes a little pay cut on his deal. If winning means as much to Butler as he says, I don’t see why he wouldn’t.
In the coming weeks, the Sixers need to find a rebuilding team like the Suns or Hawks to take Fultz. The Sixers won’t get anything close to the value they would want. But at some point, they have to just cut their losses. The Fultz situation is a dark cloud hovering over what is another wise bright situation that the Sixers have. Let both sides move on and do what they think is in their best interests. It just won’t be with Markelle in Philly.
