NBA veteran Evan Fournier, former Magic and Knicks guard, is currently a free agent, and the market for his services seems vacant. The twelve-year veteran and two-time Olympic silver medalist has options overseas to continue his career. The good thing for Fournier is that he knows European basketball well enough already.
NBA Veteran Will Consider Europe If Left Unsigned In US
Fournier Will Consider EuroLeague
NBA veteran Evan Fournier is considering outside ventures to prolong his professional basketball playing career. The twelve-year veteran and recent Olympic silver medalist is currently a free agent. He has yet to sign with a new team.
Last season, the veteran shooting guard played 32 games for the Knicks and Pistons, averaging 6.9 points and 18 minutes while shooting just 25.4% from three-point range. For his career, Fournier has averaged 13.6 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and a respectable 37.4 % from three.
The EuroLeague has long been a viable and solid option for NBA players who aren’t able to sign with an NBA team. Former Milwaukee Bucks guard Patrick Beverley left America to play in Israel this off-season. Another NBA player currently considering Europe are Robin Lopez.
Fournier’s NBA Journey
The NBA veteran was a draft pick of the Denver Nuggets in 2012 and spent the past three NBA seasons with the Knicks. However, he only played three games for New York last season before being traded to Detroit. Prior to landing in New York, Fournier played for the Celtics and the Nuggets, where he spent his first two years. It was in Orlando though, where the Frenchman spent much of his career. With the Magic, Fournier enjoyed his most productive years as an NBA player. In seven seasons with Orlando, he averaged double-digits in points and 30+ minutes in six of those seasons.
When Fournier arrived in NYC, his first season was positive, including setting a franchise record in three-pointers made in a single season (since passed by Donte DiVincenzo). Unfortunately, the good times drizzled down to being glued to the bench and falling out of Tom Thibodeau’s rotation. Fournier was eventually shipped off to Detroit mid-year in a trade. Now, he finds himself without a franchise with less than two months to go before the 2024-25 season starts.
Playing Overseas
If the NBA does not extend an offer to the NBA veteran player this off-season, he might find himself in a familiar league and location. Fournier has recently commented about his serious consideration of the EuroLeague. Should he decide to join a team there, his extensive FIBA history could prove to be a significant advantage.
No stranger to the international stage, the NBA veteran has represented France on many occasions. He suited up for his country in the FIBA World Cup in 2014, 2019, and 2023. He also participated in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where he won a silver medal. In Paris for the 2024 Olympics, he and France won silver for the second consecutive Summer Games.
Fournier is regarded as one of France’s top national players, along with Rudy Gobert, Nicolas Batum, Boris Diaw, NBA Hall of Famer Tony Parker, and now Victor Wembanyama.
