Landing Spots for the Top 5 NBA Free Agents Still on the Market | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats & Rumors

Markelle Fultz saw his role with the Orlando Magic and overall efficiency decline last season amid left knee issues. At just 26 years old, it’s quite surprising to see him still floating around the open market.

Concerns about his jump shot persist. He’s had success from mid-range and the free-throw line during his time in Orlando, but his clips from both areas were down last year and he’s still a complete non-threat from beyond the arc.

Still, Fultz has improved his on-ball floor navigation. He plays with a shifting cadence that can function as both a stabilizing steward and a semi-sudden attacker. And at 6’4″, he can be a nuisance defending either guard position and has even been scaled to wrestle some (non-star) wings.

Landing with the Oklahoma City Thunder would be a near ideal outcome for him. They have the space in their rotation to open up lanes for his dribble drives, pull-ups and overall game.

Granted, Fultz’s minutes would likely be scarce with Alex Caruso, Aaron Wiggins, Cason Wallace and Isaiah Joe in the rotation. That’s also the best argument against the Thunder burning a 15th roster spot on him.

But Josh Giddey’s departure leaves Oklahoma City without a more methodical on-ball setup guy (aside from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams). Neither Caruso nor Wiggins plays that type of style. Wallace could eventually get there, but is more of a floor-filler for now.

If you look at it from an emergency perspective, Fultz seems like a good move, especially since the Thunder always seem to find minutes (in the regular season) for just about anyone.