Latest trade report proves Knicks should deeply regret Evan Fournier’s contract
It’s been over a week since Evan Fournier played basketball. During the New York Knicks’ five-game road trip against Western Conference opponents, the shooting guard racked up five DNPs.
Tom Thibodeau deserves credit for finally removing Fournier from the rotation, although it was an obvious decision that needed to be made. Fournier’s strength is his three-point shooting, but this season, his inconsistency from behind the arc and nonexistent defense hurt the Knicks when he was on the floor.
All that’s left for New York to do is trade Fournier, but doing so will be difficult. He’s making $18 million this season and will make $18.9 million in 2023-24 before having a $19 million club option in 2024-25. Between his contract and his drop in production, the Knicks may have to attach a first-round pick to Fournier in a trade. However, according to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, New York is “reluctant” to do that.
Knicks reportedly aren’t willing to attach a first-round pick to Evan Fournier in a trade
The trade deadline is still well over two months away, so there isn’t a rush for New York to offload Fournier immediately. He’s no longer taking minutes from younger players such as Cam Reddish, Quentin Grimes, and Immanuel Quickley. However, as long as he sits on the bench, his trade value is going to continue to go down.
As February draws near, a contender may show interest in adding Fournier as a shooter off the bench. If a miracle happened and the Lakers managed to be in the play-in/playoffs conversation, LA may inquire about Fournier, but it’d be difficult to find a deal that works.
Fournier recently told Melvin Karsenti of Basket USA that he isn’t thinking about a trade yet. He mentioned that “a lot can change,” meaning that he may get another opportunity with the Knicks if one of his teammates is traded or is injured.
In the meantime, New York will have to be patient and wait to see if a team is desperate enough to trade for Fournier without the Knicks having to include a first-round pick in the deal. Moving forward, hopefully, the front office will be more mindful about who they sign to four-year, $78 million contracts.
