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Knicks: Pros and cons of trading shooter Evan Fournier

By Jordanna Clark

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 6: Evan Fournier #13 of the New York Knicks makes 3 pointer against the Brooklyn Nets at Madison Square Garden on March 22, 2022 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michelle Farsi/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 6: Evan Fournier #13 of the New York Knicks makes 3 pointer against the Brooklyn Nets at Madison Square Garden on March 22, 2022 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michelle Farsi/Getty Images) /
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The New York Knicks have made three moves so far in free agency: Signing backup center Isaiah Hartenstein, signing point guard Jalen Brunson, and keeping unrestricted free agent Mitchell Robinson. The next move that the Knicks make could involve a trade for guard Evan Fournier.

SNY’s Ian Begley reported that Fournier’s name has been circulating in trade talks. Now that New York has Brunson as its point guard, there’s reportedly concern around the front office about a Brunson-Fournier backcourt. So, to combat that, a trade could be on the horizon.

In anticipation of a trade happening, let’s go through the pros and cons of trading 29-year-old Fournier, who signed a four-year, $78 million contract with the Knicks last summer.

The pros of the Knicks trading guard Evan Fournier this offseason

Begley said that even if Fournier is still on New York’s roster at the start of 2022-23, he’d “assume that the starting backcourt is different, whether it’s sliding RJ Barrett to shooting guard or putting Quentin Grimes at shooting guard.”

To state the obvious, the main pro would be that Fournier being traded would mean that a young player would take his spot in the starting lineup (although it’s looking like that could happen regardless). If Barrett doesn’t start at the 2, it’d be Grimes who’d start. In his rookie year, he averaged 6 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist in 46 games while shooting 40.4% from the field and 38.1% from the 3-point line.

Grimes’ name has popped up in trade rumors this summer, most notably in trade scenarios for Jaden Ivey, but he’s a 3-and-D wing (and Fournier isn’t known for his defense) that the Knicks should undoubtedly want to keep long-term. So if Fournier goes, fans should be thrilled to see Grimes in the starting lineup, which would likely consist of Brunson/Grimes/Barrett/Randle/Robinson.

With Brunson at the helm, Grimes would have the potential to be New York’s second ball handler, which would take pressure off Barrett and Randle, who will benefit from not feeling like he needs to have the ball in his hands constantly.

The cons of the Knicks trading guard Evan Fournier this offseason

As Begley said, trading Fournier would mean that New York would be bidding adieu to its best shooter. He set the Knicks’ single-season record for 3-pointers made in March, surpassing John Starks.

Fournier shot 39.9% from deep and 41.7% from the field in 2021-22. His consistency was an issue, but there isn’t another player on the roster who can shoot the deep ball like him. The Knicks trading him would mean that they’re taking a gamble.

This is also another reason why the Brunson signing is a bonus. He’s a scorer, but he likes to attack the basket. He’ll help to space the floor for his teammates, Grimes included. Regardless of how you feel about Fournier, though, New York won’t be able to replace his shooting.

It’ll be interesting to see what the Knicks have in store for Fournier’s future, whether it be a trade or coming off the bench next season. A trade seems to be what most fans are bracing for, but there will most definitely be a void left behind.

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