Markelle Fultz saw his role with the Orlando Magic and overall efficiency dip last season following and amid left knee issues. At just 26, though, it’s fairly surprising to see him still floating around the open market.

The concerns about his jump shot persist. He put together pockets of success from mid-range and at the foul line during his time with Orlando, but his clips from both areas fell by the wayside last year, and he remains a total non-threat from beyond the arc.

Still, Fultz has improved his on-ball floor navigation. He plays with a varying cadence that can function as both a steadying steward and semi-sudden attacker. And at 6’4″, he can be fairly pesky when defending either guard spot and has even scaled up to tussle with some (non-star) wings.

Landing with the Oklahoma City Thunder would be a borderline ideal outcome for him. They have the spacing inside their rotation to open up lanes for his dribble drives, pull-ups and overall playmaking.

Granted, Fultz’s minutes would likely be sparse with Alex Caruso, Aaron Wiggins, Cason Wallace and Isaiah Joe in the rotation. This also doubles as the best argument against the Thunder burning a 15th roster spot on him.

But the departure of Josh Giddey leaves Oklahoma City without a more methodical on-ball setup man (aside from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams). Neither Caruso nor Wiggins plays that type of style. Wallace could one day get there but is more of a stage-left complement for now.

Viewed through the break-in-case-of-emergency lens, Fultz feels like a worthwhile gambit—particularly when the Thunder always seem to find (regular-season) minutes for pretty much everyone.