2. Utah Jazz
I’ll stop what you’re thinking right now – New York will not be landing Donovan Mitchell in a trade package centered around Evan Fournier. However, the recent trade of Rudy Gobert opens up the door for Utah to change its style of play and pick up another 3-point threat.
Last season, the Jazz were middle of the pack in 3-point percentage, but in today’s NBA, you can never go wrong with adding more. Fournier would also give Mitchell another scoring option, which is really what Utah should be the most focused on if they plan on luring him to stick around.
Possible Trade:
Knicks receive: Patrick Beverley, future first-round pick
Jazz receive: Evan Fournier, future second-round pick
Very rarely do you see player-for-player straight-up trades in the NBA anymore, but this is one of the few times it could help out both teams.
As mentioned before, Fournier would give Mitchell another solid scoring option who can create his own shot.
Beverley would fit like a glove in Tom Thibodeau’s defensive-minded system on New York’s side. He brings a certain type of grit that can’t be matched and would be adopted by Knicks nation.
The pick swaps would likely go in New York’s favor, as Fournier has a better all-around game, but Beverley’s biggest asset could be worth trading for. With the addition of Jalen Brunson, Fournier’s offensive role will likely be reduced, so why not bring in a defensive mastermind?