It’s official: French basketball player Evan Fournier has signed up with the Knicks. This transfer had been revealed on August 3 by the American media, but had not yet been formalized by the New York franchise.
The recent Olympic silver medalist with the France team would have signed a contract of 78 million dollars (66 million euros) according to the journalist of ESPN Adrian Wojnarowski, one of the most aware of transfers in the NBA. Fournier was a free agent when the “trade agency” opened, and could therefore sign up for the franchise of his choice.
He will play next season at the legendary Madison Square Garden, which counted in his choice, as he said during the presentation press conference: “I have always loved playing MSG, the atmosphere and the energy in this room are different, so being able to play 41 matches here, with the fans … I can’t wait! “
“We are happy that he is joining our family”
Leon Rose, President of the Knicks
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At 28, Fournier seems in the form of his life, after an Olympic tournament where he was the No. 1 offensive option for the Blues, with 18.7 pts per game. “He’s a great teammate, a fierce competitor and the perfect complement for our players,” Knicks president Leon Rose said in a statement. “He wants to be a part of what we’re building here, and we’re happy he’s joining our family.”
The 2012 Denver Nuggets-drafted full-back spent six and a half seasons with the Orlando Magic, most of his time in the NBA. He is joining an ambitious franchise, having returned to the limelight last year, ending the season in 4th place in the Eastern Conference.
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“It was very hard playing against the Knicks last season, they were very disciplined,” Fournier said. “They had real cohesion, and it showed during the season, where they improved, as a player it’s exciting because you want to play in a team that works well and wins . “
Thanks in particular to the emergence of strong winger Julius Randle, elected MIP (player with the most progress of the season), the Knicks reached the play-offs for the first time since 2013.
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