With 12 seasons of NBA service under his belt, 31-year-old wing Evan Fournier will sign a multi-year contract with the EuroLeague’s Olympiacos, per multiple reports.
After 12 seasons, Evan Fournier is exiting the NBA and signing a two-year, $4 million-plus deal with Euroleague club Olympiacos, per sources. Fournier averaged nearly 10 points in France’s Silver Medal run at the Paris Olympics. pic.twitter.com/ErFKwEJl0W
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 2, 2024
There does seem to be some question about the length of his deal though. The Athletic’s Shams Charania, a highly regarded NBA insider, reports that the deal is for two years. However, Eurohoops insider Aris Barkas —who’s more in-tune with international affairs —says that it’ll be a three-year deal.
Evan Fournier has informed Olympiacos that he is accepting their offer. The two sides are finalizing the exchange of paperwork making the deal official for a three-year contract.
Fournier is returning to Europe after a decade for the Reds
More at @Eurohoopsnet and @EurohoopsGR
— Aris Barkas (@arbarkas) September 2, 2024
Barkas also makes note of Fournier’s signing effects Filip Pertrusev. Petrusev, who was taken with the 50th pick in 2021 NBA Draft, will extend his contract with Olympiacos. The team is then expected to move the Serbian big man, possibly to Crvena zvezda.
After the addition of Evan Fournier, Filip Petrusev is set to extend his contract with Olympiacos and loaned to another club for next season. It’s no secret that Crvena Zvezda has more than a strong interest in the player. More on @Eurohoopsnet and @EurohoopsGR
— Aris Barkas (@arbarkas) September 2, 2024
Olympiacos was reported to have interest in Fournier over Labor Day Weekend. Real Madrid and Olimpia Milano also had their eyes on the NBA veteran.
EuroLeague’s Olympiacos Snatches Up Evan Fournier
The 20th overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, Fournier has scored 13.6 points per game on 37.4 percent shooting from 3 over the course of his career. However, he’s had a dramatic drop in his play as of late. In the past two seasons, he’s averaged just 6.5 points per game on 27.9 percent shooting from 3. Even in the Paris Olympics, Fournier showed that he’s past his prime. Though he averaged 9.8 points in 20.6 minutes per game, he converted just 32.4 percent of his 3-point attempted.
It’s not just the numbers, as Fournier’s lost a step athletically. This has affected his on-ball defense and ability to score off-the-dribble. It may even be a factor in why he hasn’t shot as well from deep if the Frenchman isn’t getting enough lift.
With that being said, many players who aren’t considered explosive athletes excel in the EuroLeague. This, as well as the opportunity to play regular minutes with Olympiacos, could help Fournier get his basketball career off of life support.
