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Knicks trade idea to pair Evan Fournier with enthralling rookie is intriguing

By Jordanna Clark

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 02: Evan Fournier #13 of the New York Knicks in action against the Phoenix Suns at Madison Square Garden on January 02, 2023 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. New York Knicks defeated the Phoenix Suns 102-83. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 02: Evan Fournier #13 of the New York Knicks in action against the Phoenix Suns at Madison Square Garden on January 02, 2023 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. New York Knicks defeated the Phoenix Suns 102-83. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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The majority of New York Knicks fans have been trying to get rid of Evan Fournier for a year now. Last summer, the dialogue was centered around replacing Fournier with Quentin Grimes in the starting lineup, which is what eventually happened. Since Fournier was booted out of Tom Thibodeau’s rotation entirely in 2022-23, a trade should be on the horizon.

After playing and starting in 80 games during the 2021-22 season, Fournier appeared in only 27 games this past season. He had a hilarious response to not being traded ahead of the February deadline and then once New York’s season came to an end in the second round of the playoffs, Fournier said that “there’s no way” the Knicks would keep him.

Fournier is owed $18.8 million for 2023-24, which is far too much for a player that spent the majority of the previous season on the bench. Since the guard’s on an expiring contract, it should be easier for New York to trade him and get his salary off the books.

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons predicted that the Knicks will trade Fournier and a pick to the Spurs. Why would San Antonio want Fournier? Victor Wembanyama. Fournier would be able to mentor his fellow Frenchman during his first season in the league.

Would Knicks send Evan Fournier and protected first-round pick to Spurs in trade?

At this point, it doesn’t seem to matter a whole lot to Knicks fans about where Evan Fournier is traded. However, fans would be severely disappointed if New York had to trade a protected first-round pick to get off Fournier’s expiring contract. The Knicks waited to deal him until the offseason for a reason (subscription required).

Doug McDermott is owed $13.8 million next season, so rather than dump Fournier’s expiring contract for an expiring contract that’s worth around five million less, it would be possible financially for the Knicks to trade Fournier to the Spurs for nothing in return.

New York shouldn’t be willing to add a pick to his contract, nor should the front office take on another expiring contract in return. That would defeat the purpose of trading Fournier in the first place.

Whether Evan Fournier is traded to San Antonio or not, the 30-year-old is most likely going to be on the move this summer, and without a protected first-round pick attached.

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