The New York Knicks have had a relatively quiet offseason, but have been linked to several stars available in NBA trade rumors. While a blockbuster deal isn’t imminent, a smaller deal could be on the horizon.
Evan Fournier has been highly critical of the Knicks in recent weeks and is seeking a way out of New York. As his name floats in the league’s rumor mill for the second consecutive offseason, there now appears to be a market for the veteran guard.
- Evan Fournier stats (2022-’23): 6.1 PPG, 1.8 RPG, 1.3 APG, 33.7% FG, 30.7% 3PT
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According to SNY’s Ian Begley, the San Antonio Spurs are among several NBA teams interested in acquiring Fournier. However, there’s one factor complicating a potential deal.
While there are multiple teams interested in Fournier, figuring out trade compensation with New York is proving to be a problem. According to Begley, the Knicks have been unwilling to attach additional draft picks to help facilitate a deal.
- Evan Fournier contract: $18.857 million salary (2023-’24), $19 million club option in 2024
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The Spurs, like other teams interested in Fournier, have likely inquired with New York under the assumption there’s compensation for absorbing Fournier’s contract. However, the Knicks likely don’t feel as pressured to move him right now because there’s no follow-up move to make if his salary comes of the books.
San Antonio is a team to monitor moving forward. Fournier, a native of France, has a close relationship with Victor Wembanyama and would likely be a willing mentor for him with the Spurs. San Antonio also wants to collect future assets, providing it with greater long-term flexibility to build around Wembanyama.
For now, Fournier will remain on the Knicks’ roster with a few teams expressing interest. While a deal might not be imminent, it would be a minor surprise if he’s still in New York when the regular season begins.