After a summer filled with rumors, the next destination for former first-round pick Evan Fournier was recently revealed. After 12 years in the NBA, Fournier signed with the EuroLeague’s Olympiacos. The 31-year-old’s contract is reportedly for three years worth $4 million. Furthermore, the third year has an option, but it is currently unclear if it is a team or player option. It is possible this option is in Fournier’s contract as a way to keep the option for an NBA return open. After all, it appears he still has interest around the NBA. Recently, reports indicated that the Washington Wizards had interest in the wing. However, according to Fournier himself, the interest was not mutual.
Just days after signing his new contract, Fournier revealed he had a two-year contract on the table from the Wizards. However, he declined the offer to join the EuroLeague. Fournier cited not having interest in a “mentoring role” or playing for “a losing team.”
Evan Fournier said he was offered a 2 years contract with the Wizards in NBA, but he wasn’t interested in a “mentoring role” with the youngsters, “in a losing team”.
Added he wants to “compete” in Europe and “enjoy playing basketball again”.
Reported by @lequipe &…
— Maxime Aubin (@MaximeAubin1) September 4, 2024
Evan Fournier Reveals the Team He Rejected Before Leaving NBA
Evan Fournier Wanted to Stay in the NBA
In July, NBA insider Marc Stein spoke about Fournier’s free agency. Stein reported that, at that time, Fournier’s priority was to stick around in the NBA (subscription required). However, this clearly failed to happen given the French native’s recent move.
“There will naturally be talk of EuroLeague interest in Evan Fournier after Detroit declined to pick up the Frenchman’s $19 million team option for next season, but league sources say Fournier prefers to try to continue his NBA career. He’s only 31 and expected to generate some NBA interest.”
Currently, it is unknown how many teams besides the Wizards truly expressed interest in Fournier. Regardless, even after winning a silver medal during the 2024 Paris Olympics, it seems a stay in the NBA to play for a contender was not an option for Fournier.
Where the Washington Wizards Will Go From Here
The Wizards finished the 2023-24 season with a 15-67 record. This was their worst finish in franchise history. Furthermore, if it were not for the historically bad Detroit Pistons, who suffered a 28-game losing streak last season, then the Wizards would have finished with the worst record in the NBA. Regardless, the Wizards earned the No. 2 pick in this year’s NBA Draft and selected France’s Alex Sarr. Additionally, the Wizards seem to have improved this offseason.
This summer, in addition to Sarr, the Wizards drafted Bub Carrington and Kyshawn George, who each have a lot of potential. The Wizards also acquired veteran guard Malcolm Brogdon from the Portland Trail Blazers for Deni Avdija. Furthermore, they signed Saddiq Bey and Jonas Valanciunas in free agency.
Ultimately, it would remain a miracle if the Wizards even flirt with a playoff appearance next year. Nonetheless, there is a lot more to be excited about in Washington this time around than last season.
