Veteran small forward Evan Fournier is working to get traded by the New York Knicks ahead of the 2023-24 NBA season, according to Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News.
Fournier will make $18.9 million next season. He signed a four-year, $73 million contract with New York in August 2021 as part of a sign-and-trade deal with the Boston Celtics.
Not a surprise but source says reps of Evan Fournier are working to find a trade. Fournier on the record saying he'd be surprised if he's a Knick to start next season. He's owed roughly $18.9 million next season with a $19 million team option for 2024-25.
— Stefan Bondy (@SBondyNYDN) June 22, 2023
Fournier only appeared in 27 games this past season. He was removed from the rotation by head coach Tom Thibodeau.
After the Knicks lost to the Miami Heat in the 2023 Eastern Conference Semifinals in six games, Fournier told reporters he expected to get traded this summer.
“You know I’m not gonna be back,” Fournier said. “There’s no way they’re gonna keep me. I would be very surprised if they do. So we’ll see. It’s obviously not in my hands though.”
Fournier averaged 6.1 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 2022-23 while shooting 33.7% from the field, 30.7% from beyond the arc and 85.7% from the free-throw line. It will be interesting to see where the 30-year-old is playing next season.
Fournier has career averages of 14.0 points, 2.7 boards and 2.5 assists with the Denver Nuggets, Orlando Magic, Celtics and Knicks. He made a career-high 241 3-pointers in 2021-22. The Los Angeles Lakers have been linked to Fournier in the past, but it’s unknown if they still have interest in the Frenchman.
The Knicks won 47 games this past season. They have a bright future with point guard Jalen Brunson leading the way. His supporting cast needs some work, though, as forward RJ Barrett and All-Star Julius Randle are very inconsistent.
Maybe the Knicks can trade Fournier in a package that brings them back some depth.
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