Pass or Pursue on Bleacher Report’s Evan Fournier Knicks-Spurs trade proposal
In a recent interview with French outlet L’Equipe, Evan Fournier made it clear that he’s desperate for a trade from the New York Knicks. Fournier said that he isn’t sure he can handle another season of not being on the court after playing only 27 games in 2022-23.
The 30-year-old said the idea of being traded to the Spurs is appealing. Not only is San Antonio a well-respected organization, but Fournier would have the opportunity to mentor fellow Frenchman and No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama.
SNY’s Ian Begley included in his latest mailbag that the Spurs are one of the teams that have had an interest in acquiring Fournier. Begley added that the Knicks still aren’t willing to attach draft compensation to the veteran guard in a trade.
Fournier will make $18.9 million this upcoming season. While San Antonio had the space to absorb Fournier’s salary in a trade at the beginning of the offseason, that’s no longer the case.
Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey created four “bold” offseason trades for contenders, and he included a deal between the Knicks and Spurs that would get Fournier to Texas.
Bleacher Report Knicks-Spurs trade proposal sends Evan Fournier to San Antonio
It’s been over five years since Doug McDermott played for the Knicks during the 2017-18 season, and this proposal would reunite him with New York. Like Evan Fournier, McDermott is also on an expiring contract, as he’ll make $13.8 million in 2023-24 before hitting free agency next summer.
Unlike Fournier, though, McDermott contributed on the court for San Antonio this past season. The 31-year-old averaged 10.2 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game, shooting 45.7% from the field and 41.3% from three. He’s a career 41% three-point shooter, while Fournier is a career 37.9% shooter from deep.
Parting with a second-round pick wouldn’t be a tough blow for New York, but swapping Fournier with a player making only $5 million less doesn’t make much sense. Yes, McDermott can knock down threes, but like Fournier, he’s a negative on the defensive end. Would he even be able to crack (or stay in) Tom Thibodeau’s rotation?
This wouldn’t be a bad deal for the Spurs to make, but it wouldn’t be a wise move for the Knicks to make. It’d eliminate Fournier but would cost a second-round pick and a player with a similar skill set. Is shedding $5 million in salary worth that price?
Verdict: Pass
