Papabear Says
Fournier, 28, had been a thorn in the Knicks’ side for years with the Orlando Magic before the Boston Celtics acquired the expiring 6-foot-7 wing in March. He signed a five-year, $85 million deal with the Magic back in July of 2016, entering free agency looking to pick up another big payday before Fournier is on the other side of 30.

Fournier averaged 17.1 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.1 steals per game this past season for the Magic and Celtics, playing in 42 contests and a first-round playoff series appearance with Boston. Over his nine-year NBA career, Fournier has averaged 14.3 points and 2.7 assists in 28.5 minutes per game, shooting 45.0% from the field and 37.9% from three-point range. He eclipsed the revered 40.0% mark from deep last season after shooting 39.9% in 2019–20.

John Hollinger in The Athletic on Monday reported that the Knicks “swooped in” and were preparing to make Fournier a contract offer in free agency way past Boston’s parameters to re-sign the veteran guard. Hollinger also mentioned reevaluating a trade for Terrence Ross (the veteran swingman floated in rumors before the draft when the Knicks were armed with four picks) and extending Mitchell Robinson, who had his team option picked up by New York on Saturday.

Fournier was the 20th pick in the first round of the 2012 NBA Draft by the Denver Nuggets, playing in the Mile High City for two seasons before the Magic acquired him in June of 2014 for Arron Afflalo. Returning Knicks general manager Scott Perry worked within Orlando’s front office at the time of the Fournier trade, along with the re-signing in 2016. The Knicks re-upped Perry for another two years last month.

Fournier’s arrival in New York plugs a hole in the need for wing scoring, despite R.J. Barrett’s second-year improvements. Alec Burks and Nerlens Noel are reportedly returning to the Knicks on three-year deals, but veteran marksman Reggie Bullock agreed to a deal with the Dallas Mavericks..