5 Wild trades that get Evan Fournier off the Knicks roster
By Tyler Watts
The New York Knicks are eager to improve their roster. They have a ton of draft capital and are rumored to be chasing a superstar. The Knicks have been patiently waiting for a deal that pushes them into title contention. Without a blockbuster, the biggest move to happen before training camp could be an Evan Fournier trade.
The 6’7 wing has made it clear that he wants out of New York. He was rarely in the rotation last season, but the 30-year-old believes he can still make an impact. Fournier will play for France in the FIBA World Cup this summer, but does he find a new home for the 2023-24 NBA season?
Fournier is set to make $18.8 million this year with a $19 million team option for the 2024-25 campaign. Trading him won’t be easy, but the Knicks have options.
Trades that get Evan Fournier off the New York Knicks
5. Get PF help from Jazz
The Knicks are thin at the forward spots. They have options that can slide down and play the three, but Julius Randle is the only true power forward on their roster. Isaiah Roby is penciled in as the backup, but his non-guaranteed deal could be axed during training camp.
New York needs help at the position, and they could look to acquire a versatile option from the Jazz. Utah added John Collins this summer to create a bit of a logjam. The Jazz could look to clear it by taking on Evan Fournier and a first-round draft pick.
Olynyk’s versatile skill set fits on any roster. The 6’11 big man can stretch the floor, rebound, defend multiple positions, and operate as a secondary playmaker. That is just what New York needs backing up Julius Randle. Simone Fontecchio is a salary-matcher in this trade and would not be part of the team’s plans.
The Jazz would be eager to pick up additional draft capital, even if it is just a heavily-protected first-round pick. With Monty Williams in Detroit, that selection could easily be the in the 20s in a couple of years and becomes another trade chip for Utah as they look to build out their roster.
The New York Knicks do not have to just trade Evan Fournier. They could look to get involved in a larger deal to make the salary-matching work.