5 Knicks players whose future may be affected by new CBA

Apr 2, 2023; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) dribbles in front of Washington Wizards forward Deni Avdija (9) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2023; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) dribbles in front of Washington Wizards forward Deni Avdija (9) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Knicks, Evan Fournier
Evan Fournier, New York Knicks. (Photo by Troy Wayrynen/USA TODAY Sports) /

1: Evan Fournier

The four-year, $78 million contract that the Knicks signed Evan Fournier to in 2021 free agency seemed like a bad idea even then. With Fournier being replaced by Quentin Grimes in the starting lineup and being removed from Thibodeau’s rotation, his contract has looked even worse.

Fournier’s set to make $18.9 million next season before having a $19 million club option in 2024-25. New York reportedly wasn’t willing to attach a first-round pick to Fournier ahead of the trade deadline to move on from his contract, but he’ll luckily be on an expiring contract this summer. That will make a trade much easier.

The Knicks should be able to get Fournier off their books to a team that’s in need of a three-point shooter. His 32% average that he’s shooting from three this season is far from being impressive, but he’s played in only 24 games. In the 80 games that he played in 2021-22, he shot 38.9% and broke New York’s single-season record for three-pointers made.

It’s past time for the Knicks to go their separate ways with Evan Fournier. He’s been a true professional during his time in New York and that’s something that fans should appreciate, but he no longer has a role on the team, especially one that warrants being paid nearly $20 million.