Sixers' ownership want a first-round pick - and not a low one - in return for Markelle Fultz.
Conflicted on whether the team should cut their losses with Fultz or hope he figures out his struggles, Sixers executives "view [Fultz] becoming a star for another team worse than him remaining a Sixer and continuing to struggle", and they would have to "look at themselves in the mirror" if Fultz does become a star after he gets traded.
Executives around the league believe that the Sixers will lower their demands as the trade deadline approaches.
The Sixers are also said to be waiting until teams begin to get eliminated from the playoff race to engage in trade talks for Fultz. They are also looking to take back players in the final year of their contract to give them cap room to re-sign Jimmy Butler and another top free agent this summer.
Fultz hasn't played since November 19th. He is averaging 8.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in 19 games this season.