The New York Knicks could soon clear up a notable amount of cap space that could allow for some major flexibility in their attempts to upgrade the roster this summer.
Since Leon Rose took over as the New York Knicks president, he and his regime have done a pretty good job. They did the hard work of clearing out bad contracts, tried to sign some stars, develop young talent, and get the franchise back to a place where they could compete consistently. And for the most part, the mission has been accomplished.
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There are young players like Mitchell Robinson, RJ Barrett, and Immanuel Quickley who could be the core of the team for many years to come. They acquired All-Star-level talent in Julius Randle and Derek Brunson. And those various ingredients have delivered a winning recipe that has gotten them to the NBA playoffs in two of the last three seasons.
However, not every move for the front office has been a winner. The organization’s biggest failures in recent years both came in the summer of 2021 when they signed veterans Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier.
Walker was a disaster in his tenure with his hometown team and was off the roster before the season ended. Fournier has proven to be a solid offensive player for the team, but his lack of defense has made him a poor fit for head coach Tom Thibodeau and his system and led to him being a DNP for much of this season.
New York Knicks could soon trade Evan Fournier to San Antonio Spurs
The New York Knicks have reportedly been looking to trade the 30-year-old for months, however, his style of play and contract have made a deal difficult to make. Many assumed the organization would definitely move him this summer and need to give up draft assets or take on another contract to get out from under the $18 million he is owed next season. But it seems they may have found the perfect trade partner for Fournier.
On Sunday, Heavy.com NBA insider Sean Deveney spoke with an NBA executive who claimed the New York Knicks could soon trade Fournier to a team that sees unique value in him and may not need to give up draft picks or get a player back in a potential deal.
“There has been some interest from San Antonio to make a deal; they would give up almost nothing to the Knicks, so you get Fournier there to kind of mentor [Victor] Wembanyama,” the exec claimed. “San Antonio could take him into cap space, which would free up some more wiggle room for the Knicks.”
Fournier and top NBA Draft prospect Victor Wembanyama are both natives of France and the belief is the veteran Frenchman could help the youngsters transition to the life of an NBA star. The Spurs also have some of the most available cap space this summer and could take on the New York Knicks veteran’s contract without sending anything back in return.
At worst may need to add a second-round pick to finalize a deal.