NBA rumors: Knicks trade brewing on the entirely wrong player
Evan Fournier and the Knicks are looking for a trade according to reports, but New York is working to deal the wrong player in this instance.
Evan Forunier had real trouble carving out a role with the New York Knicks this past season. So as the offseason starts to ramp up, he’s trying to head to a team that he could be more of a factor with.
On draft night, Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News reported that Fournier’s reps are exploring trade destinations for the veteran guard, which they believe is something the Knicks would also be interested in.
Not a surprise but source says reps of Evan Fournier are working to find a trade. Fournier on the record saying he'd be surprised if he's a Knick to start next season. He's owed roughly $18.9 million next season with a $19 million team option for 2024-25.
— Stefan Bondy (@SBondyNYDN) June 22, 2023
Theoretically, Fournier could play rotational minutes for a good team, but he won’t be able to play up to his $18 million annual value. He has a team option after the 2023-24 season, which makes him essentially an expiring contract.
Unfortunately, if the Knicks are looking at this trade, they are looking in the wrong spot — specifically, looking to trade the wrong player.
NBA Rumors: Knicks working on Evan Fournier trade, should be pursuing Julius Randle deal
The Knicks should be looking to shop Julius Randle who has a longer contract. If they were to trade for a star this offseason, that’s the sensible first move to make in the process as they could acquire more valuable assets and clear the offensive end of the floor for another star.
Despite a very poor postseason, the Knicks could get positive assets for Randle. In fact, including Fournier’s expiring with Randle could be the baseline for any mega trade. That would then allow them to start searching for a star.
Randle is a great regular-season player. However, he has struggled in his two playoff appearances for the Knicks. It might be time to get him out of New York for an offensive player who better fits the roster, particularly for the playoffs.
New York already has young players, so acquiring more picks as tradeable assets should be the focus for a Randle trade while also taking on salary in the form of expiring contracts to make the financials work.
Fournier can work as a part of this, but in no way should he be the priority.
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