TORONTO — The Toronto Raptors announced Monday they have signed guard Markelle Fultz to a 10-day contract, offering the former No. 1 overall draft pick a chance to reignite his NBA career. The move comes as the Raptors navigate the final stretch of the regular season and seek additional depth on their roster. This signing represents a significant opportunity for Fultz, who has faced considerable challenges since being selected first overall in the 2017 NBA draft.
Fultz, 27, most recently played for the Sacramento Kings during the 2024-25 season, appearing in 21 games where he averaged 2.7 points, 1.0 rebound, and 1.3 assists in 8.8 minutes per game. The Raptors’ decision to bring him in reflects a calculated risk, hoping to unlock potential that was evident early in his career.
A Rocky Road for the Former No. 1 Pick
Selected by the Philadelphia 76ers with the first overall pick in 2017, Fultz’s career has been marked by setbacks. Concerns surrounding his shooting form and a nerve shoulder injury quickly derailed his initial trajectory. He was traded to the Orlando Magic in 2019, where he spent five seasons attempting to rebuild his game. While showing flashes of brilliance, consistency remained elusive. His time in Orlando saw him average 12.8 points, 5.7 assists, and 3.1 rebounds across 227 games, but a fresh start was sought.
The Sacramento Kings offered that opportunity last season, but his role remained limited. Now, with the Raptors, Fultz will be looking to prove he can still contribute at the NBA level. The 10-day contract provides a short window to showcase his skills and potentially earn a longer-term deal.
Impressing in the G League
Prior to the call-up, Fultz was honing his skills with the Raptors 905, Toronto’s G League affiliate. He has been a standout performer, averaging 9.8 points, 5.3 assists, 2.5 rebounds, and 22.2 minutes in six games, all as a starter. The Raptors 905 have provided a valuable platform for Fultz to regain confidence and rhythm in a competitive environment.
This strong performance in the G League likely played a key role in the Raptors’ decision to offer him a 10-day contract. It demonstrates that Fultz is actively working on his game and is capable of contributing at a high level when given the opportunity.
Career Overview and Potential Role with the Raptors
Throughout his NBA career, spanning 255 games (including 164 starts) with the Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic, and Sacramento Kings, Fultz has career averages of 10.4 points, 4.4 assists, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 24.0 minutes per game. His versatility as a ball-handler and passer could be valuable for the Raptors, particularly as they navigate a competitive Eastern Conference.
While it’s unlikely Fultz will immediately step into a major role, he could provide a spark off the bench and offer a different look to the Raptors’ offense. His ability to create for himself and others could be particularly useful in late-game situations. The Raptors currently hold a record of 36-30 as of March 23, 2026, and are battling for playoff positioning. The NBA standings show a tight race in the East, making every game crucial.
The Raptors welcomed Fultz with a post on X (formerly Twitter), sharing a photo of him in a Raptors uniform and the message, “Welcome to the fam, Markelle🤝.”
Welcome to the fam, Markelle 🤝 pic.twitter.com/c9gbem8664
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) March 23, 2026
What’s Next for Fultz and the Raptors?
Fultz’s 10-day contract will allow him to practice with the team and compete for playing time in upcoming games. The Raptors’ next scheduled game is March 26th against the Boston Celtics. The team will evaluate his performance and determine whether to sign him to a second 10-day contract or a longer-term deal. The coming weeks will be critical for Fultz to demonstrate his value and prove he can still be a contributor in the NBA.
This is a story of perseverance and second chances. Markelle Fultz has faced adversity throughout his career, but he continues to work towards his goal of playing at the highest level. The Raptors are providing him with an opportunity to prove himself, and the basketball world will be watching to see if he can seize it.
What do you think about the Raptors’ decision to sign Markelle Fultz? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation.
