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3 Positive outcomes Knicks fans should be rooting for at World Cup

By Jordanna Clark

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 07: Josh Hart (L) #12 and Jalen Brunson #11 of the United States talk on the court before a 2023 FIBA World Cup exhibition game against Puerto Rico at T-Mobile Arena on August 07, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The United States defeated Puerto Rico 117-74. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 07: Josh Hart (L) #12 and Jalen Brunson #11 of the United States talk on the court before a 2023 FIBA World Cup exhibition game against Puerto Rico at T-Mobile Arena on August 07, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The United States defeated Puerto Rico 117-74. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks, Evan Fournier
Evan Fournier, New York Knicks. (Photo by GAIZKA IROZ / AFP) (Photo by GAIZKA IROZ/AFP via Getty Images) /

1: Evan Fournier to play well enough to increase trade value

It’s August 2023, and Evan Fournier is still on New York’s roster. In an offseason interview with French media outlet L’Equipe, the former starting shooting guard made it clear that he wants to be traded, but his trade value tanked this past season. He played in only 27 games.

Believe it or not, Fournier can still be valuable for a team if used in the correct role. He’ll turn 31 at the start of the 2023-24 season and is a career 37.9% three-point shooter.

The issue lies with the $18.9 million that he’s owed this upcoming season, but luckily, Fournier’s on an expiring contract as he has a $19 million club option for 2024-25. He wasn’t worth the four-year deal of up to $78 million he signed with the Knicks in 2021.

New York wasn’t willing to attach draft compensation to Fournier to get rid of him ahead of the 2023 trade deadline, and according to SNY’s Ian Begley, that’s still the case.

Fournier said that the FIBA World Cup will be his “launchpad,” regardless of how Knicks fans feel about him, that’s something the fanbase should be rooting for. The better he plays, the higher chance he’ll garner trade interest from opposing teams.

Fournier’s off to a great start in exhibition play for France, although he suffered a minor ankle sprain and missed the contest against Lithuania. He returned to action on Aug. 11.

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