It is one of the names most mentioned in this week of NBA trade deadline, for both American and French players. In his last year of contract at Orlando, and with an offensive background as well as an experience that appeals to many franchises, Evan Fournier is at the center of a lot of conversations now. Time to take stock, with the latest info: league sources tell TrashTalk.
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28 years old, nine years spent in the NBA, three appearances in the Playoffs and an image of nice guy who gets along well with his teammates, Evan is like who would say in his prime. If he has only participated in 24 of the 42 games played by the Magic this season, especially following a few physical problems in the adductors, we can not say that the tricolor kept his hands in his pockets when was in shorts on the floor: 19.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 5 induced throws per game, these are his best career averages, period. If you add 38% of success behind the arc and the reputation he has made to ensure in the money-time, you have a player necessarily present in the sights of several NBA franchises.
But it is obviously Fournier’s contractual situation that is increasing the buzz around his name at the moment. In his last year of contract with the Magic ($ 17 million), Evan will be a free agent this summer, and the Orlando franchise is wondering where to go. Should we keep the traction Evan Fournier – Nikola Vucevic who led us to the Playoffs recently? Should we keep these players at a high price? Or give way to youth, these boys with great potential who were recently selected and who must prove themselves at the highest level (Mo Bamba, Jonathan Isaac, Cole Anthony, Markelle Fultz)?
One thing is certain, the teams are numerous to try to recover Fournier on this week of trade deadline, the rumors are linked. The strength of his game and the possibility of extending it this summer make his profile interesting, especially in the following managerial offices:
We were talking about it this Tuesday, the Evan Fournier track was mentioned on Monday night and it would gain credibility over the passing hours. The Celtics, who want to strengthen their group eight weeks before the Playoffs, would be focused on managing the Aaron Gordon file as a priority. But the Orlando winger wouldn’t be the only one to leave his franchise: Evan would also make the trip, the Boston franchise being very seduced by his profile vis-à-vis the needs of scoring and ball creation in hand. Important info to take into account,The Celtics would be interested in the idea of extending the Fournier contract in the process. But at what cost ? It is enough to look at the salary situation of the Celtics (131 million guaranteed in salary next season) to understand that it could quickly become complicated at the negotiating table, especially as Evan evolves at a level that some better paid full-backs do not ‘fail to match this season (Gary Harris 19 million, Buddy Hield 24 million). Boston is therefore very hot on Fournier, but to see how the transfer will be put in place with so many elements to take into account.
We had already been able to discuss the Fournier track at the Knicks, the New York franchise is said to be aggressive around Evan again at the start of the week. Regarding the Knicks themselves, several important things to know. There is an undeniable need for reinforcement at the rear position, as we have seen with rumors around Victor Oladipo and JJ Redick in recent days. Evan therefore falls into this rank, especially since Leon Rose – new dirlo in New York – would be a big fan of Fournier’s game, which he did not hesitate to let know in the local media. It is undeniable that the franchise of the Big Apple wants to find the Playoffs and therefore consolidate its good start to the season (7th in the East today) with a big acquisition at the deadline. Adding Evan in the five major would be a real plus for Tom Thibodeau and his staff, Thibs whose links with Steve Clifford – current Magic coach – are long standing since they were both assistants with the Knicks in the early 2000s. If the franchise can also extend Fournier to New York, what are the people asking? The Frenchman has always liked to play at Madison Square Garden, has said so on several occasions publicly and made some beautiful cards on the spot. The Knicks are therefore back on the Fournier track with even stronger enthusiasm over the last few hours.
We haven’t talked about them much lately in connection with Evan, and yet it is an understatement if the track would heat up now. Evan Fournier to come and boost the back line of the Mavs, alongside Luka Doncic? A prospect that could suit the franchise as well as the scorer of Charenton. As we know, Dallas wants to heat up as the Playoffs approach, and Josh Richardson’s season – holder in position 2 – has so far been quite disappointing given the expectations. Most likely free agent this summer (player option at 12 million for Richardson), the 27-year-old full-back defends strongly but he doesn’t have the offensive package or the experience that Evan offers on the pitch. Having Fournier as second creator would therefore be an attractive avenue for the Mavs, an extension this summer would also make sense. Because we must not forget that the French will be a free agent, so will decide where to build the next years of his life. In a competitive team like Rick Carlisle’s, with a seductive game and a true maestro in franchise player? The logic is easy to understand. Dallas is therefore trying to surround Doncic as well as possible, and even if it means strengthening the European connection as much to have fun at the deadline.
To a lesser extent, three other franchises have shown interest and picked up the phone to find out what to send in exchange for Evan Fournier. The Spurs (DeMar DeRozan), Nuggets (Gary Harris / Will Barton) and Nets (Spencer Dinwiddie) have all been active. It remains to be seen how Orlando turns the sauce upside down, with a management who has shown how important the recovery of Draft picks is to turn the page on the years to come.
Is there a good chance that Evan Fournier will be transferred in the next few days, the next hours? Yes. Are there a bunch of franchises on his file as we speak to you? Yes, also. Hang on your seatbelt, rumors will continue to circulate and we will be watching the Celtics – Knicks – Mavs trio very closely by Thursday night…
Sources: TrashTalk
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