Wizards receive: Markelle Fultz
Magic receive: Tyus Jones
Markelle Fultz and Tyus Jones may be similar-caliber players but they fit better on their new teams if this trade occurs.
Fultz may not have reached his potential as his career was sidetracked by injuries, but he is still a valuable combo guard with upside. His jump shot has completely abandoned him, and he will likely not find that shooting stroke again. But, he is still only 25 years old and has shown his ability to stay healthy when he played 60 games in the 2022-23 season.
Former no. 1 overall pick in 2017, Fultz will likely never be the offensive engine people were hoping he would become. Yet, he successfully changed his game and became a wonderful perimeter defender and a solid playmaker.
This profile of a combo guard fits well next to Jordan Poole. Fultz can guard the other team’s best guard and Poole can run the show offensively. He is not as good of a floor general as Tyus Jones, but Fultz certainly has more upside and two-way ability. Fultz still has good size, strength, and athleticism. If he can continue staying healthy and improve his shot to a respectable level, he could be a long-term piece for the Wizards.
For the Orlando Magic, Tyus Jones is a good fit next to their future stars. They already have two shooting-challenged guards in Jalen Suggs and Anthony Black, making Fultz redundant. A veteran point guard like Jones who is a steady hand on offense can do wonders for that team.