Evan Fournier, a 12-year veteran in the NBA, has faced tough times in the last two seasons. The French basketball player found himself spending a lot of time on the bench with the New York Knicks, seemingly unhappy with his situation and longing for a change. Finally, his wish came true when he was traded to the Detroit Pistons in February.
Despite his recent struggles, Fournier remains determined to continue playing in the NBA. Speculation arose that he might consider a move to the EuroLeague after his disappointing stint with the Knicks. However, according to Marc Stein, Fournier is committed to pursuing his career in the NBA.
The 2022-23 season saw Fournier starting as part of New York’s lineup for the first seven games, but the team experienced a string of losses. Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau, known for his emphasis on defense, decided to replace Fournier with Quentin Grimes for his defensive prowess. From then on, Fournier saw limited playing time, appearing in only 14 of the team’s last 69 games and missing out on all 11 postseason games.
After his trade to Detroit, Fournier saw more action on the court, albeit for a struggling team. In 26 games with the Pistons, he averaged 7.2 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in just under 19 minutes per game. His shooting percentages were not impressive, with 37.3% from the field, 27.0% from beyond the arc, and 79.4% from the free-throw line.
Following the season, the Pistons declined Fournier’s $19 million team option, making him a free agent. While there may be some interest from NBA teams, it is unlikely that he will receive a lucrative offer. His value has declined significantly over the past two seasons, and a veteran’s minimum deal might be the best he can hope for in the upcoming season. Nevertheless, Fournier was a reliable scorer in the league for a considerable amount of time, and some teams may see him as a low-risk gamble worth taking.
