Orlando Magic guard Markelle Fultz. Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The bottom has fallen out on Orlando after their hot start to the season, and they may be making a move to try to recapture the magic (no pun intended).

Veteran NBA writer Marc Stein reported this weekend on Substack that the Magic are exploring the trade market for guard Markelle Fultz ahead of the Feb. 8 deadline. 

Stein also noted that Orlando is making center Wendell Carter Jr. available for trade as well.

Fultz, 25, was the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft in 2017 while Carter, 24, was the No. 7 overall pick a year later in 2018. Both players have missed extended time due to injuries this season, and the Magic have found a fairly successful rotation without them. 

Jalen Suggs, Cole Anthony, and Anthony Black is the new point guard trio of choice while Goga Bitadze and Moe Wagner alternate at center.

Orlando began the season a surprising 14-5 but have gone just 7-13 since that point (including three consecutive losses and counting). 

Carter and especially Fultz (who is on a $17M expiring contract and has vastly improved in recent seasons) would be strong trade chips if Orlando is looking to bring in some veteran help to get back on track.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Mavericks come from behind to down Thunder, take 2-1 series lead
Stars continue road dominance with Game 3 win over Avalanche
Watch: Paul Skenes wastes no time showing why Pirates drafted him No. 1 overall
Watch: Braves were one out away from first no-hitter in 30 years
Roman Wilson hopes to become Steelers' next 'great' WR
Chargers sign veteran edge-rusher
Justin Allgaier dominates at Darlington for first win of 2024
'Great mind': One-time NBA champion endorses candidate for Lakers HC job
Celtics respond with impressive road win vs. Cavaliers in Game 3
Hurricanes' power play finally comes through with season on the line
Watch: An outstanding first half by Donovan Mitchell keeps the Cavaliers alive in Game 3 vs. Celtics
Tigers lose veteran starting pitcher to injury
Watch: Minor league baseball game interrupted by turtle delay
Paul Skenes experiences the Pirates' incompetence in just one game
Rangers ace continues to be plagued by nerve irritation in thumb
Cowboys hint at timeline for extension talks with offensive star
Steelers first-round pick has already 'apologized' to new locker mate
Former Packers WR makes bold prediction about Jordan Love
Broncos release former Super Bowl champion WR
Nationals had 'substantive discussions' with former top prospect about extension

Want more Magic news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.