Evan Fournier, a former starting player for the Boston Celtics, is currently playing for the New York Knicks. To say that Fournier is unhappy with his current squad would be an understatement. During an interview with Yahn Ohnona of the French daily L’Equipe, Fournier vented his annoyance at the competition the Celtics face in their division. Fournier went so far as to imply that he anticipates being moved to another team.
If I were to play for the Knicks the next season, that would blow my mind. They have given me 18 million dollars. “They have absolutely no interest in retaining me,” stated Fournier. “Why didn’t you use me if you want to swap me for something that will give you a decent return? I had just finished a season in which I had shot a 3-point shot better than any other player in the league and finished in fourth place. Why not make the most of this opportunity? They won’t get anything intriguing now, which is quite normal given that I couldn’t show them anything.”
Fournier stated unequivocally that, in his opinion, his time with the Knicks has come to an end, and he elaborated on the reasons why he does not anticipate ever playing for the team again.
“I’m going to be involved in a trade. In any other circumstance, this cannot occur. Otherwise, both them and I would be in a bind. They have a number of players that are about to get into significant contract extensions. Unless they are willing to pay an insane tax on luxury goods… “If I stayed, it would be a catastrophe for my career in basketball,” Fournier said. “I have a lot more to offer.” “I’m confident that I could go a whole year without playing. Two… that would be a dreadful thing to have.”
After being moved to the Celtics at the NBA Trade Deadline, Fournier started all five games that the Celtics played in their lone playoff series against the Brooklyn Nets. During the regular season, Fournier started 10 of the 16 games that he played for the team; during the playoffs, he started all five games that the Celtics played.
The next offseason, Fournier reached an agreement with the Knicks to sign a deal that would pay him $73 million over the course of four years.