The New York Knicks have a bit of a problem on their hands right now.
Evan Fournier doesn’t want to be there, and he’s made it quite clear.
Also, having a disgruntled player is never good for a locker room.
Tom Thibodeau decided to send him to the dog house and didn’t play him again last season, which led to some sour comments from the French veteran.
With that in mind, the Knicks coach claimed that as much as he respects Fournier, numbers prove that the team fared much better after they benched him (via Stefan Bondy).
Thibodeau on Evan Fournier’s discontent:
“I have great respect for him. …It’s hard to argue with a 37-22 record (after Fournier was removed from the starting lineup) and a plus net rating.”
— Stefan Bondy (@SbondyNBA) October 2, 2023
Truth be told, Thibodeau didn’t sign Fournier, so it’s not like he should be responsible for that.
More than that, the fact that the Knicks didn’t trade him has more to do with his negative trade value than anything else.
Fournier will make over $18 million next season, and his contract has always been pretty bad, especially considering his offensive inconsistency and lack of defensive commitment.
If anything, the Knicks would most likely have to give up draft capital to get another team to absorb his contract.
Although he’s finally entering the last year of his contract — minus a club option for the next season — he’s a prime candidate to find a new home once and for all.
Perhaps a bad and young team will gladly take him as a veteran leader and mentor, all while adding more arsenal to their draft capital.
Whatever the case, don’t expect to see him on the court next season for the Knicks.
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