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5 teams who could trade for Knicks guard Evan Fournier

By Mat Mlodzinski

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 30: Evan Fournier #13 of the New York Knicks in action against the Charlotte Hornets at Madison Square Garden on March 30, 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. Charlotte Hornets defeated the New York Knicks 125-114. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 30: Evan Fournier #13 of the New York Knicks in action against the Charlotte Hornets at Madison Square Garden on March 30, 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. Charlotte Hornets defeated the New York Knicks 125-114. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks, Evan Fournier
Evan Fournier, New York Knicks. (Photo by Chuck Cook/USA TODAY Sports) /

1. New Orleans

To me, this trade makes all too much sense. With Zion Williamson signing his contract extension, the Pelicans are dark horses to contend for a championship next season. Williamson, Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum, Jonas Valanciunas, and Devonte’ Graham form one of the most talented and youthful lineups in the Association.

But in the NBA, a strong bench is just as important. We saw that play out as the Golden State Warriors captured the 2022 NBA Championship over a Boston Celtics team with a depleted bench.

Fournier as the sixth man on New Orleans would just make too much sense. The biggest problem would likely be who the Knicks would get in return. The Pelicans wouldn’t think of trading any of their core, so it would have to be a trade made up of prospects and picks.

Possible Trade:

Knicks receive: Larry Nance Jr., Trey Murphy III, Naji Marshall

Pelicans receive: Evan Fournier, two future second-round picks

Even with the core of Williamson, Ingram, and Graham, the Pelicans still have a slew of other young pieces. Larry Nance Jr. is still only 29 years old and would serve as the player with the contract that helps get this deal done financially.

It would be tough for New York to pry both Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III from New Orleans, and something tells me Jones would require the Knicks to send something else along with Fournier. So in this mock trade, New York settles for Murphy III and Marshall.

Besides adding a veteran scorer, the Pelicans are in dire need of 3-point shooting. New Orleans finished 27th in the NBA in 3-point percentage last season, so the addition of Fournier would help bump them up in that category.

I do see the Knicks having to part ways with a few second-round picks, which only makes sense for getting multiple prospects with value in this deal. However, the Pelicans want to win now, and Fournier would give them that chance while keeping Jones, who is one of their best assets.

The biggest plus for New York would be continuing to build a roster centered around players who are still years away from their primes. Nance Jr. also only has one year remaining on his contract, so the Knicks could easily free up cap space, making this potential deal all the more appealing.

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