76ers' Brown gets emotional discussing end of Fultz's tenure

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.