Evan Fournier
Fournier is also in an interesting spot, as there’s a fair chance he won’t be on New York’s roster by the start of training camp. After being usurped by Quentin Grimes in the starting lineup at the beginning of last season, he fell out of the rotation entirely.
He was never able to find a consistent shooting rhythm, and his defense was too poor to warrant extended playing time to achieve said rhythm.
With the aforementioned minutes battle at the backup shooting guard position, Fournier has mostly become an afterthought. As he enters the final year of his contract, he’s well-aware that he is a prime candidate to be traded.
If Fournier is looking to be moved to a team where he can carve out a role, one of his goals for the World Cup should be to raise his trade value.
He has a track record of stepping his game up under the international spotlight. In the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, he averaged 18.7 points and 3.2 rebounds per game while helping lead France to a silver medal.
🇫🇷 Evan Fournier in win over Team USA:
— Chris Forsberg (@ChrisForsberg_) July 25, 2021
28 PTS
11-23 FG
4-13 3PT
4 REB
5 TO
Hit go-ahead 3-pointer with under a minute to go pic.twitter.com/KwEUrALXJt
The possibility of Fournier showcasing his shooting ability on a larger stage could entice some opposing front offices to take a one-year flier on him. It may also convince a team such as the San Antonio Spurs to bring in a veteran who can help acclimate French phenom Victor Wembanyama to the NBA lifestyle.