The Markelle Fultz era in Philadelphia came to an end on Thursday as the 76ers dealt the former first overall pick to the Orlando Magic for Jonathon Simmons, a 2020 first-round pick, and a 2019 second-round pick.
But before the deal was reached between the two clubs, head coach Brett Brown conceded that Fultz probably wasn't going to work out in Philadelphia.
"Towards the end, I wondered, and I would be lying if I (said) I didn't start wondering a lot," Brown said, according to Keith Pompey of the Philly Inquirer.
Brown was aware that a Fultz trade was possibly in the works. General manager Elton Brand tried reaching Brown, but the latter didn't see his notifications, as he was on a phone call. When the Sixers bench boss eventually learned of the news, he was watching NBA TV and had mixed emotions for Fultz.
"I'd be lying if I didn't feel sad," Brown said. "It was two emotions I had - sad personally, selfishly I suppose. I never really felt like I got a chance to coach him. I never really felt like the city got a chance to see him. I felt sad for that. I was pleased for him that he had a new start. He had a fresh start, another opportunity."
Fultz has only suited up in 33 games over two seasons, averaging 7.7 points, 3.4 boards, and 3.4 assists per contest. The 20-year-old has been out indefinitely since Nov. 19 while rehabbing from thoracic outlet syndrome.