NBA Trade Rumors: Cavs Inquired About Markelle Fultz

The Cleveland Cavaliers have reportedly spoken to the Philadelphia 76ers about possibly acquiring second-year guard Markelle Fultz. It was reported last week Fultz would "prefer a fresh start with a new team" after a poor start to the season that has now been compounded with a wrist injury on top of a lingering right shoulder injury. The 20-year-old is currently away from the team to meet a specialist for his shoulder.

However, his agent Raymond Brothers would quickly deny those reports, stating he hadn't given any indication of a desired trade to the franchise.

“I have given no indication to [Sixers GM] Elton Brand or anyone else that Markelle would prefer to be traded," he told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. "My focus is to get Markelle healthy. End of story.”

Whether Fultz wants a trade or not, his availability was inquired about, as according to Amico Hoops, the Cavaliers spoke to Philadelphia about the 2017 No. 1 draft pick. Not much was revealed other than that, but it was the first major report of another team being interested in Fultz.

This followed Philadelphia Inquirer beat writer Keith Pompey's report from Sunday, stating the Sixers no longer had Fultz in their long-term plans.

"The possibility of Fultz moving on is understandable considering how confusing things have been with the Sixers," Pompey wrote. "For now, however, Fultz is still around the team as if nothing has changed except his playing time. The Sixers keep saying they will do whatever is best for Fultz, but the situation has overshadowed the success the team has had this season."

"Some sources have said that, despite the team's statements, Fultz is no longer in the Sixers' long-term plans. And they are no longer using his shoulder as an excuse for his performances."

Fultz began the 2018/19 season as a starter but saw his place taken by J.J. Reddick following the arrival of Jimmy Butler. He also didn't feature in the second half of last week's win over the Phoenix Suns, with T.J. McConnell getting backup point guard responsibilities instead.

He is averaging 8.2 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists over 19 games and is shooting 41.9 percent from the field and 28.6 percent from three-point range. His shooting, in particular, has been a major topic this season, especially after a botched free throw attempt against the Miami Heat earlier In November, along with his overall lack of confidence from beyond the arc.

Having traded the likes of Robert Covington, Dario Saric and Jerryd Bayless to acquire Butler, the Sixers are in need of perimeter shooters, and were previously linked with Cavs guard Kyle Korver, who is a career 43.1 percent shooter from the three-point range.

Trading Fultz for Korver would make sense then, especially as they have similar salaries for this season and next season when Korver's deal expires. However, Amico Hoops added "there’s no indication such a deal has been discussed."

In reality, it was likely Philadelphia would attempt to get a late first-round pick for Fultz or a player on an expiring contract, according to Pompey. Avoiding paying the $9.7 million Fultz is owed next season would also allow them to re-sign Butler and try to acquire another top free agent.