For many years, New York Knicks fans have come up with dozens of trade ideas for Evan Fournier. The Frenchman has been in Tom Thibodeau's doghouse for a long time, and it looks like no string of injuries will be enough for him to fall to the ground.
Fournier's salary has always been a point of discussion. However, by today's standards, $18 million makes up for a good salary. So, as we head into February, Knicks trade deadline rumors involve the out-of-favor player once again.
Evan Fournier and Quentin Grimes will likely be out of the team soon. The former, for obvious reasons, and the latter due to lack of playing time and the team's lack of interest in signing him to a contract extension.
Evan Fournier Business Ideas: Potential Trades
With that in mind, we'll take a look at some potential trades that could actually work. Of course, it's worth noting that only bad teams with cap space would be willing to absorb Fournier's contract as long as it comes with Grimes and/or potential draft capital, depending on the return.
Go to Texas
Victor Wimpanyama has the potential to be one of the best defenders in the league. He is indeed one of them. The San Antonio Spurs know he's a generational talent, and they need to do everything they can to keep him healthy, happy, and locked up. That's why they can pair him with a veteran and French national like Fournier.
On top of that, they'll be getting a promising combo guard in Grimes, who could slide into the starting point guard position in San Antonio, perhaps their biggest area of need. In return, the Knicks would get Doug McDermott's shot and expiring salary, as well as out-of-favor PG Devonte Graham, who could give them an immediate offensive spark off the bench.
Get a shooter
The Detroit Pistons are in danger of finishing the season with the worst record in NBA history, so they might get something out of it. That something could be a package centered around Grimes, Fournier, and the Knicks' 2024 first-round pick.
But why on earth would the Knicks do that? Well, to acquire veteran shooter Bojan Bogdanovic, one of the best players who could be available at the trade deadline, and a loyal bucket who can play one or both forward positions. He's another ball handler who takes pressure off Julius Randle when he clogs the paint, and they lack spacing.
Knicks goes jumbo
The New York Knicks could set their sights on the nation's capital and make a run for Kyle Kuzma. This would give them a huge lineup that includes Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby on the two, Kuzma on the three, and Julius Randle and Isaiah Harstenstein in the frontcourt. They can be a nightmare to switch as a defensive team, for sure.
Kuzma is reportedly worth two first-round picks, but the Washington Wizards may be willing to part with him for a future first-round pick, a second-round pick, Fournier and Grimes. He's a solid shooter who can help them spread the floor.
Fournier to Rip City
And last but not least, we take a look at Malcolm Brogdon of the Portland Trail Blazers. They have no use for him at the moment, as they look to rebuild, and Scott Henderson should get as many touches as he can handle now, both as a playmaker and as a playmaker.
Brogdon is one of the smartest players in the league. He can play at both guard positions and be effective, both as a starter and as a substitute. He's a better defender than Jalen Brunson and would be an elite closer with him and OG Anunoby for defensive purposes. They could get him with the same package: first-round pick, Fournier, Grimes, and second-round pick.
