NBA Trade Rumors: Phoenix Suns Have 'Interest' In Markelle Fultz

The Phoenix Suns are the latest team to reportedly have an interest in struggling Philadelphia 76ers guard Markelle Fultz.

According to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer, there are a number of teams with "some level of interest" in Fultz with the Suns being one of them.

The 20-year-old was previously a target of the Cleveland Cavaliers who were first reported to have inquired about him before offering a trade package that included three-point specialist Kyle Korver. However, Korver would, somewhat out of the blue, be traded to the Utah Jazz on Wednesday in a package that saw the Cavs receive Alec Burks and two future second-round picks in exchange.

Pompey notes that the reason for Cleveland's hesitance was they wanted Fultz and his representatives to be truthful about his current situation.

"In other words, potential 76ers trade partners don't want Fultz saying that his right shoulder and wrist are bothering him if he actually has a mental block that's hindering his shooting, the source said," Pompey wrote.

Fultz was the No. 1 pick in the 2017 draft but has failed to live up to that billing since as he has struggled with his confidence and shooting this season so far. He is currently away from the team as he is seeing a specialist for his shoulder injury while he has cited a recent wrist injury as a reason for his shooting troubles.

According to Pompey, the Suns had interest in Fultz leading up to last year's draft with their analytics people assessing him to have a "huge upside" but ultimately having concerns about his support system.

Despite his struggles this season, the point guard still has talent which Phoenix could definitely use. It has been noted by many that the best option for Fultz's development is to move to a smaller market team where there will be less attention on him so he can gradually grow as a player.

A move to the Suns could do just that. A potential trade package could see Trevor Ariza go to Philadelphia, however, Pompey notes he is earning $15 million this season on an expiring contract. With Fultz earning $8.3 million this season, both teams would need to add further players to make a trade work.

Fultz averages 8.2 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists over 19 games this season so far.

He was a starter at the beginning of the season before dropping to the bench following the arrival of Jimmy Butler. He notably did not play in the second half of last week's win over the Suns with T.J. McConnell taking over backup point guard duties.